For our Women’s Issue, we’re leaning into real reflections, earned wisdom, and the moments that shape a woman’s path.
Here, we sit down with five Valley women and dig into the experiences, pivots, and perspectives that define them.
Mary Chen
Compass Real Estate
How has your definition of success evolved over time, and what led you to pivot
Early on, success meant titles, climbing the corporate ladder, and proving I could have it all without anyone seeing me sweat. But as a single mom, that definition changed. It hit me during one too many late nights working while my daughters slept. One night, my oldest asked why I was always tired. That broke something open. I realized I wasn’t protecting them, I was showing them what it looks like to settle and sacrifice your health trying to win at all costs.
Now, success looks like being fully present for my girls while building work that lights me up and provides stability. It’s less about external validation and more about inner peace, financial security for us, and modeling resilience, strength, and vulnerability. My girls come first, always. Every decision filters through one question, does this build a better future for us and reflect the life I want to show them.
What gave you the confidence to take that leap?
My daughters. Looking at them and seeing their trust in me reminded me I’ve already survived hard things, leaving tough situations, rebuilding our home, doing everything solo. If I could do that, I could figure out a career shift. I leaned on a small circle that reminded me I have a warrior spirit, and I kept telling myself that regret hurts more than risk.
The biggest shift was learning to trust myself. I used to say yes to everything out of fear of missing out or missing the deal. Letting go of that forced me to reevaluate my priorities and build something more meaningful and flexible for motherhood. I also learned the hard way that perfection is the enemy of progress. Life doesn’t wait for perfect timing, especially as a single mom. Giving myself grace, accepting I can’t be everywhere at once, and being intentional with my time changed everything.
Success isn’t perfect, it’s persistent.
What would you share with other women navigating change or building their next chapter?
Start small, but start now. Update your resume, take a course, reach out to one person. Momentum builds confidence. Don’t wait for the perfect time, it rarely comes. My motto is do it anyway. Nobody feels ready, you learn through trial and error, and you give yourself grace along the way.
Protect your energy. Say no to what drains you and build a support system, even if it’s just one person. You don’t have to be fearless, you just have to be willing. Your kids are watching how you handle fear and change, that’s the real legacy.
Stop comparing yourself. Social media is a highlight reel, not real life. Trust your instincts sooner, ask for what you’re worth, and stop waiting for permission. You are enough exactly as you are. Build a life that makes you proud, one that your daughters or the next generation can look at and say, this is possible.
IG @marychenrealtorarizona
Myranda Molina
Owner, Myranda Fine Jewelry
What gave you the confidence to pursue your next chapter?
Confidence came from taking the leap before I felt completely ready. I’ve learned to do the big things, then get the confidence. Most people think it works the other way around, but it doesn’t. It won’t happen if you wait until you feel ready. Trusting the process and taking that first step is what allows confidence to grow. It forces you to jump into it rather than over-plan it.
What does leadership mean to you today?
Leadership is about creating a space where people feel inspired. There isn’t just one leader; we are all leaders. I always say: don’t walk in front or behind me, walk beside me. I want the women on my team to feel better after being around me and excited to bring their ideas forward. Every move I make is intentional, staying open to learning, encouraging others to grow and shine, and building a collaborative environment where everyone feels heard.
What’s one misconception people often have about successful women?
That success is only about achievement. For me, it’s about purpose. It’s about proving to yourself who you are, not to anyone else. It’s about giving back to your family, your community, and your team. It’s about showing up no matter what, even when it’s hard. Never assume someone’s path. I come from humble beginnings, and I hope that shows women you can choose your own journey.
IG @myrandafinejewelry
Jennifer Burgess
RETSY Real Estate
How do you navigate fear or uncertainty when stepping into something new?
I read something once that stuck with me: you’re going to be scared, so do it scared. That really shifted my perspective. Fear doesn’t always go away, so you have a choice. Either let it dictate your steps or you move forward anyway. I’ve learned to acknowledge the fear, the doubts, the insecurities, and still do the thing. Have the conversation. Pursue the vision. Eventually, what once felt overwhelming becomes something you’ve already walked through.
What daily habits or mindset shifts have made the biggest impact on your success?
It wasn’t necessarily a habit, but I committed to reading the Bible in a year. Going through it as an adult completely changed my perspective. The people I once viewed as untouchable were flawed, just like us. They struggled, they stumbled, they fell short, but they also showed humility, faith, and resilience in how they came back. It made me realize that no one is perfect, no matter how successful they appear. We may put people on pedestals, but the truth is, we all fall short. What matters most is how we rebound.
What’s one misconception people often have about successful women?
Is that we can do it all. You can not. I often joke that successful women are powered by dry shampoo. Some days, you just can’t budget the time to wash your hair; that time is required elsewhere. If you’ve ever read “Relentless” by Tim Grover you know what I mean. There is a serious element of sacrifice that goes into being great at whatever you chose. Sometimes that sacrifice is trivial, like not doing your hair. Other times, it’s significant, and all eloquence aside, that’s the sacrifice that sucks.
What message would you share with the next generation of women building their own paths?
Don’t chase success, it's fleeting and fickle. Instead, train yourself to count your blessings. Things that seem normal and are so easily taken for granted at this stage in your life are likely to become invaluable down the road. For example: you can pick up the phone and hear your mom's or dad's voice and share a conversation. You woke up refreshed from a good night’s sleep. You got the opportunity to workout or go on a run and your knees didn't hurt. Things like that are gifts take a moment to enjoy them and be thankful, every day.
IG @jennfromretsy
Marisa Rodriguez
Luxe Baby Custom Newborn Care
What is one accomplishment you’re most proud of?
Building a life that has meaning. Supporting new and expecting parents and watching the woman my daughter has become.
How did you turn your passion into a career?
By the grace of God, I have been able to turn a passion for working with parents and their babies into a thriving career. Being able to do work that supports others in such a meaningful way, while also building something my daughter can be part of, is everything to me.
How do you define impact in your work?
I define impact in my work by the level of support and reassurance I’m able to provide to parents. Becoming a parent is an exciting yet vulnerable time, and being trusted to support them through this phase of life is an honor... one I do not take lightly.
What does meaningful success look like to you?
If I can help parents feel more confident, rested, and connected to their baby, that’s meaningful to me. It’s about meeting them where they’re at as they figure out their baby’s needs and find their rhythm. I often measure that impact by the progress we’ve made together by the end of our agreed-upon time.
IG @luxebabycare
Tanya Toliver
Serhant
What gave you the confidence to pursue your next chapter?
Confidence didn’t come first, action did. I started doing things that scared me, even when I felt completely unprepared. From investing in myself when I couldn’t afford it to stepping into situations that forced me to grow, I kept choosing discomfort over staying the same. Every time I survived something I thought I couldn’t handle, it built proof. Over time, that proof turned into confidence. I stopped waiting to feel ready and started trusting that I would figure it out along the way. That shift changed everything. I realized confidence isn’t something you have, it’s something you build through doing.
Looking back, what risk are you most grateful you took?
Two risks changed my life: investing in myself and doing scary things. At 20, during COVID, with pressure to choose stability, I bet on myself anyway. I hired a real estate coach I couldn’t afford and put $10k on a credit card. It was sink or swim. Around the same time, I got my skydiving license while terrified to cold call. I told myself if I could jump out of a plane, I could pick up the phone. That mindset rewired everything. Those decisions built resilience, confidence, and momentum and completely changed the trajectory of my life in ways I couldn’t have imagined.
IG @tanyatoliver