Luminaries

Some moments do not feel real until you are in them.

This was one of those moments.

I boarded a flight from California to Phoenix, knowing I was headed to something special, but not fully grasping what it would feel like to be in that room. Being recognized at the University of Phoenix 2026 Luminary Awards was an honor. Being surrounded by leaders who are actively shaping their communities made it even more meaningful.

It moved fast. In the best way.

From landing to stepping into the event, everything felt like a blur of energy, anticipation, and gratitude. The kind of experience where you are fully present, but also taking mental snapshots because you know it matters.

There is something powerful about being in a room surrounded by people who are not just successful, but impactful. People who are doing the work. People who understand that leadership is not just about position, but about responsibility.

That part stayed with me.

Because my journey has always been rooted in people. In showing up. In mentoring. In being a big sister figure to those who need guidance, consistency, and someone in their corner. That work does not always come with recognition. But it matters. And in that moment, it felt seen.

I was not just representing myself. I was carrying every relationship, every lesson, every person I have had the opportunity to pour into along the way.

And that is what made the experience grounding.

Yes, there was celebration. Yes, there was recognition. But there was also reflection. A reminder that the work you do consistently, even when it is not visible, builds something real over time.

The connections were strong. The conversations were meaningful. And the energy in the room was undeniable. But what I walked away with was bigger than the event itself.

Clarity.

Clarity on why the work matters. Clarity on the kind of impact I want to continue making. And clarity on the responsibility that comes with being in rooms like that.

For students and young professionals, here is what I would offer:

• Stay consistent, even when no one is watching 

• Get in rooms that stretch you, even if you feel a little out of place 

• Build real relationships, not transactional ones 

• Start giving back now. Do not wait until you feel “ready” 

Moments like this do not just happen. They are built over time.

This experience was an honor. But more importantly, it was a reminder.

Keep showing up. Keep doing the work. It always adds up.