I snuck in many doors and when my intelligence was revealed, or my skill set clearly seen, people were often pleasantly surprised or became jealous and scared. I faced more barriers because of my color than my gender.

I love being a woman. I never wanted to be a man or needed to prove I was just like them. I graduated law school at USC, won moot court honors, and finished high in my graduating class, so I knew who I was. I knew I was intelligent and educated and strong. Being a woman has always helped me in many ways.

God was always important to me. I always believed. I just never knew Him until I had to know Him. He was my best friend I never hung out with. Then my life took the crazy, tragic, turn and I got on my knees and begged Him to show me Himself so I would know not only Him but myself.

Know whose you are and you'll know who you are. Walk in your authentic identity as determined by your Creator. And, before you try to live without instructions as to what your identity really is read the owner's manual daily the Bible. It's the best advice anyone ever gave me. Read it and it will change your life for the better, forever.

I also think I was incredibly immature and inexperienced. I had little idea how to navigate the many network politics so allies became enemies and those responsible for helping and mentoring me to succeed in my new position had other agendas. At the end of the day I was young and dumb but super talented.