As I traveled home from the Executive Women of Color Summit in Chicago, I found myself thinking about a song that seemed to follow us throughout the conference: I'm Every Woman. What began as a familiar anthem became something much deeper—a reminder that leadership is rarely about fitting into a single role. It's about navigating the many identities, responsibilities, and expectations we carry while remaining true to ourselves.

Before I ever stepped into a leadership role, I watched one.
Raised by a mother who was a nurse and inspired by a sister who followed the same path, I learned early that leadership is not defined by title—but by how you care, show up, and serve others. This Nurses Week, I reflect on the legacy they left behind and the nurses who continue to shape not only patient care—but the leaders we become.