Leading with Heart: My Journey from UWIB Member to National President
When I first joined the United Women in Business Foundation (UWIB), I was simply looking to surround myself with ambitious, supportive women. What I didn’t realize at the time was how profoundly this community would shape my life, not just professionally, but personally. My UWIB journey began as a member in the NYC Chapter, attending events and meeting inspiring women who were doing incredible things.
Eventually, after developing a strong background in Social Media Marketing, I decided to apply for the VP of Digital role on the Board of Directors during the 2015 election cycle. It felt like the perfect match for my skills. I poured a lot into that application. I was excited, confident, and ready to contribute.
But I wasn’t elected.
And to be honest, it stung.
It’s never easy to be told "not this time," especially when you deeply believe in the value you bring. That moment bruised my ego, but it also gave me something more valuable: perspective.
Rather than walking away or shrinking back, I leaned in. I remained an active member, continuing to show up with curiosity and commitment. I attended more events, volunteered where needed, observed how the board worked together behind the scenes and was intentional about connecting with other members between events. That year, I didn’t hold a title, but I still made an impact.
I learned that leadership doesn’t begin with a role; it begins with presence, consistency, and service.
With encouragement from then-Chapter President Stephanie Huston, I applied for the role of NYC Chapter VP of Membership in 2016. That time, I was elected. It was a pivotal moment. Not only did it give me a seat at the table, but it gave me the chance to connect deeply with our members and board to listen, to learn, and to lead. One of the most important lessons I learned during that time was the power of showing up not for recognition, but for community. Consistency builds trust, and trust builds impact.
After two years in that role, UWIB’s then-National President, Luyba (Zeylikman) Caloras, encouraged me to run for NYC Chapter President. While I had served in leadership positions before, I knew this would be a new kind of challenge. Leading a team of volunteers requires a unique blend of empathy, flexibility, and purpose-driven action.
In my first year, I learned something that’s stuck with me to this day: what feels urgent to you may not be urgent to someone else and that’s okay. Everyone is navigating a full life, and grace goes a long way. I focused on leading with compassion and clarity, setting a tone of collaboration and care. It worked. I was re-elected as NYC Chapter President seven consecutive years.
During that time, I learned how to lead from both the front and the middle. I honed the art of clear communication, practiced trust-based delegation, and embraced the responsibility of being a steady presence through periods of change. I saw firsthand the magic that happens when women come together not just to network, but to uplift. Together, we hosted panels, launched mentorship programs, and forged meaningful partnerships - but more than anything, we built a true sisterhood in action.
Then came 2024.
A series of unforeseen circumstances caused a significant leadership shift across our National and Chapter Boards. Many board members had to step away from their roles. It was an uncertain and vulnerable moment for the organization.
But something remarkable happened: no one from the NYC Chapter stepped down.
That gave us, myself and three remaining National Board members the opportunity to come together, reflect deeply, and ask the hard questions: What does this community need most? How do we not just survive, but evolve?
After many honest conversations and long nights of deliberation, we made a bold and necessary decision: to sunset our local chapter model and reimagine UWIB as one unified, national organization.
We framed it with purpose:
“To better support and empower women across the country, UWIB is evolving into a new national structure. This shift will enable us to expand our reach beyond our former NYC, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. chapters, uniting women nationwide under a stronger, more cohesive network. It reflects our unwavering commitment to fostering a dynamic, supportive, and inclusive community.”
That clarity and collective belief gave us momentum. Women from Seattle, D.C., NYC, San Diego and beyond quickly raised their hands to get involved. And in one of the most humbling moments of my career, I was elected to serve as the first National President under this new structure.
We’re only a few months into this new chapter, but I’m already filled with pride and gratitude. Our National Board is a mix of returning leaders and new voices, each bringing a unique energy, leadership style, and vision. There’s a renewed sense of purpose. A shared commitment to our mission. And a feeling that we’re building something truly transformational not just for ourselves, but for the women who will come after us.
Serving UWIB at this level is more than a role, it’s a calling. One that allows me to channel my resilience, my passion, and my unwavering care for this community into something greater.
Together, we are building a future where women from all walks of life feel seen, supported, and inspired to lead.
Here’s to the next chapter: stronger, united, and ready to rise.
