My career so far has been defined by one word: learning. Every role, every challenge, and every transition has been an opportunity to grow, adapt, and discover more about myself.

After graduating from the University of Pittsburgh with a degree in linguistics and minors in Spanish and Mandarin, I moved to China to teach English. It was a leap into the unknown, stepping out of my comfort zone into a culture and workplace entirely different from what I knew. From day one, I was speaking Chinese with locals, developing multicultural communication skills, and learning how to become the teacher my students needed. Teaching wasn’t just about delivering lessons—it was about understanding different learning styles, cultural nuances, and how to engage a room full of students who spoke a different native language.

I wouldn’t have grown into the role without experienced teachers who guided me, saw my potential, and helped me refine my approach in the classroom. What I learned from those mentors, I strengthened in myself by teaching in the classroom and eventually training other teachers. Explaining concepts to students and teachers helped me to understand them more deeply, and adapting my approach to their needs helped me become more flexible and creative in problem-solving. The best teachers I worked with weren’t just great at instruction—they were always learning from each other and refining their methods with every class.

After three years of professional and personal growth in the classroom, I found myself craving a new challenge—one that would push me in an entirely different way. That’s when I decided to return to the U.S. While looking into roles that aligned with my linguistics background, I found the opportunity to become a Senior Analyst at HCL Technologies working on Google Shopping’s taxonomy. Suddenly, I was in the world of a tech company, where I analyzed, refined, and created category definitions. Curiosity, feedback, and drive became my greatest assets—I had to be eager to learn and actively seek guidance from leaders and experienced team members who had spent years developing expertise in this field.

As I navigated this role, I realized I wanted to develop as a leader. I was fortunate to have mentors who recognized that ambition and encouraged me to cultivate leadership skills. That encouragement set me on a path of intentional growth, pushing me to take on new responsibilities and think more strategically about my career.

Now, I’m an Engagement Team Lead at Woden, a strategic narrative agency, where I help B2B companies craft their brand story. In this creative role, I’m learning more every day than I ever have, about business, industry niches, marketing, sales, and more. Working in a small company means wearing multiple hats, taking initiative, and playing a role in shaping the company’s direction. In this role, sharing our perspectives isn’t just encouraged—it’s expected. Whether it’s refining a client’s messaging, brainstorming what makes them unique, or making product improvements, I’ve learned that the best ideas emerge when diverse experiences and insights come together. By contributing my own perspective while learning from colleagues with different backgrounds, I’ve seen firsthand how open dialogue and mutual respect drive both personal growth and business success.

At every stage of my career, senior professionals have been essential to my development. Their encouragement, insights, and experience gave me the confidence to take risks, step into new roles, and navigate unfamiliar challenges. But as younger professionals, we bring fresh perspectives, adaptability, and new ways of thinking that help organizations evolve. The strongest workplaces recognize that knowledge flows both ways—and that the best teams aren’t just built on experience, but on the willingness to learn from each other.