Empowered to Lead: When Gifts, Purpose, and God's Strength Collide

From July 17-19, 2025, in Tampa, Florida, I had the opportunity to speak at my sorority’s national leadership conference, Zeta Organizational Leadership (ZOL), on a topic close to my heart: empowered leadership through self-awareness and strategic rest. What I didn’t know was how deeply that moment would stretch and shape me—not just as a presenter, but as a woman walking in her God-given purpose.

I had 3 med-size group sessions and my biggest audience that weekend was 998 women. Nearly a thousand. Just seeing the number gave me butterflies. I felt the nerves rush in, my inner critic whispering all the usual doubts: Do I belong here? Will my words connect? What if I forget something?

But just before I stepped onto the stage, I reminded myself of something that’s been an anchor for me: leadership is not about titles—it’s about how you use your gifts to serve, uplift, and grow with others.

And in that moment, God’s strength took over. I wasn’t just speaking—I was serving. The words flowed not from pressure, but from purpose. I wasn’t performing—I was pouring. Everything I had studied, lived, and prayed over came together because I surrendered the moment to something greater than myself.

The Heart of Empowered Leadership

In my sessions, I shared what I’ve learned over the years:

• Self-awareness is the foundation of empowered leadership. Knowing your gifts, your limits, your patterns, and your triggers helps you lead from a grounded, authentic place.

• Strategic rest isn’t laziness—it’s wisdom. Rest gives you clarity, renews your creativity, and prevents burnout. Rest is resistance in a world that glorifies hustle.

• Leadership looks different for everyone. Sometimes you're elected, other times you're appointed, assigned, or even called. Each pathway is valid. What matters is how you show up once you're there.

Leadership in Our Sisterhood

One of the most powerful conversations from that session was about the different ways we step into leadership:

• When you're elected, your sisters trust you. Your influence is your gift.

• When you're appointed, someone sees your potential even before you do.

• When you're assigned, it’s often uncomfortable—but it’s where growth happens.

• And when you're called, that’s when your gifts meet God’s purpose, and everything changes.

That last one—called leadership—was my story that day. I was nervous, yes. But I was also called. And I believe many of the women in that room were being called too—not just to lead positions, but to lead with presence, with heart, and with intention.

A Word to My ZOL and President Institute Sisters: Don’t Lose the Momentum — The Moment Isn’t Over

To every Soror and Amica who showed up, stood tall, and leaned into growth during Zeta Organizational Leadership (ZOL) 2025 and the President Institutes in Tampa — thank you.

Whether we crossed paths in a workshop, a session, or a quiet moment in the hallway, know this: what you felt these past few days wasn't temporary — it was a spark. A divine push. A reminder. And while the moment may have ended, the movement must not.

Leadership is not a title you wear for show. It's a calling you answer with consistency, humility, and grace. Don’t just do the leadership — be the leadership. Let your actions speak when the applause fades. Let your integrity stand when eyes are no longer watching.

Reconnect with those who filled your cup. Stay close to the ones who challenged you, inspired you, and prayed over you. This journey is far too sacred to walk alone. Isolation may feel noble, but collaboration is what honors our Founders.

Refuse to be led by titles — instead, be led by character. Behind every sash, every gavel, and every seat is a woman whose character will shape the legacy of this Sisterhood.

You have been elected.
You have been appointed.
You have been assigned.
You have been called.

Because sometimes you need to hear it again (LOL) - If there’s one thing I want every woman to take away from that weekend—and from this reflection—it’s this:

You don’t need a title to lead. You need clarity about your gifts, a heart to serve, and the courage to show up.

You are already equipped.
You are already seen.
You are already called.

Whether you're leading a chapter, an auxiliary, mentoring a new member, organizing community service, or simply showing up as your full self in a space that needs your light—you are leading. And the world needs your kind of leadership.

So rest when you need to. Reflect often. Stay aware of who you are and who you're becoming. And when the moment comes to speak, serve, or step up—trust that what’s in you is enough.

Three others were created and Zeta was chosen to reflect Proverbs 31—Finer Womanhood in action.

Stop renting and leasing your gifts and talents. Zeta needs you to own them. Bring them boldly and bring them fully. Your ideas. Your creativity. Your leadership. This is the season for committed stewardship — not casual engagement.

And for the love of all things divine and God-centered: Don’t. Do. This. Alone.

Reach out.
Build with.
Pray with.
Encourage.
Receive help.
Give help.
Lead together.

Let us honor our Founders — not just in ritual, but in action. Let us lead with excellence, humility, and heart. The momentum isn’t gone. It’s in you.

Now go forward — and lead like the legacy depends on it - because it does!