What shapes how someone thinks, listens, and makes decisions over time?
For me, it comes back to 4 women and their lessons that I still carry with me.
These weren’t mentors in a résumé sense.
They challenged me.
They trusted me.
They asked better questions than I was asking myself.
Learning to Think for Myself
My AP U.S. History teacher, Jean Sanford Hill, pushed me beyond giving the “right” answer. She asked why I believed what I believed and tied thinking to values.
She helped me see that my work was worthy of reflection, even at sixteen. That lesson stayed with me.
Being Trusted With Real Thinking
In law school, Jane Maslow Cohen invited me into real collaboration. She trusted me with work that expanded her own thinking, not just assignments with predetermined answers.
That experience reinforced that I was drawn to deeper analysis and intellectual challenge. It still shapes how I approach complex decisions.
Head, Heart, and Purpose
When I left the law, my mom asked me a pivotal question. She knew I had the head for this work, but wanted me to examine whether I had the heart for it.
At a time when my priorities were shifting, that question helped me reimagine my purpose and how I wanted to work with people.
Building the Practice That Fit Me
Later, Kalita Blessing helped me see that I didn’t need to fit into a mold to do meaningful work. She offered clarity without pressure and helped me focus on what truly energizes me, working directly with people.
That perspective made it possible to build the practice I have today.
Each of these women shaped how I think and work. I hope this also prompts you to think about the people who shaped your perspective and the lessons you still carry forward.