The 4 Power Functions to Elevate Your Career

Same Industry. Same Passion. Different Journeys — United in Innovation to Strengthen U.S. Resilience.

By The Arc Space Mom

Have a question, need career advice, or want to collaborate?
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Welcome back to The Arc Space Mom. Where ambition meets authenticity.

If you're navigating corporate deadlines, kids' sports schedules, healthy habits, and a career you're determined to grow, you're in the right place. I'm here to show you how to rise through it all. Not by having the perfect pedigree, but by mastering the habits that truly move the needle.

Today, I’m sharing the four principles that helped me earn spots on Washingtonian’s 40 Under 40 and WashingtonExec’s Most Influential Leaders to Watch… no Ivy League required.

1. Consistency

Success doesn’t come from one big moment. It’s built in the small, relentless ones. Early status calls. Last-minute edits. Showing up with your A-game even on the hard days.

I’ve learned to never quit on the worst days, and never get too comfortable on the best ones. Consistency in how you lead, how you learn, and how you respond is the foundation of everything.

 2. Networking

CAN’T. STRESS. THIS. ENOUGH. Start early, stay consistent, and be intentional. Knock on office doors. Introduce yourself at industry events. Build relationships with your peers, your leaders, and people outside your organization. Your network is your net worth and it only grows if you invest in it.

Early in my career, I joined AIAA, Women in Aerospace, Toastmasters, my company’s Early Career Network, and CyberIntel. Those connections? I still rely on them today.

Cool Fact: I met a Washingtonian writer at an Arianespace holiday party. We chatted casually about my work and that conversation led to my feature in Washingtonian’s 40 Under 40. Never underestimate what a single conversation can spark.

3. Cultivating Mentors

You need a variety of mentors, across disciplines, inside and outside your company. Some of the best advice I’ve ever received didn’t make sense in the moment. But six, ten, even twelve months later? It all clicked. Those conversations have shaped every major leap in my career.

Mentorship is personal. You’ll naturally connect with some and not with others, and that’s okay. Keep showing up until you find the ones who truly believe in you. And don’t forget to pay it forward. The next generation is watching.

Fun Fact: One of my most trusted mentors is now a board advisor for Arc Space Innovation. His belief in me (and my husband) gave us the push to found this company… even when we weren’t sure where the path would lead. Spoiler: he was right.

4. Expanding Your Role

Career acceleration doesn’t come from checking the box. It comes from stretching outside your role, raising your hand, and stepping up! Especially when no one else wants to.

From the moment I started as a systems engineer, I asked how I could support other areas — government relations, business development, early career efforts. I volunteered, I learned, I grew. And eventually, I was entrusted to lead a $900M capture — a role no one wanted at first because the customer had some tough requirements.

My team believed in the mission, and we delivered — winning the contract at more than 7x the expected value. That win was a turning point in my career and the moment I knew: saying yes to stretch opportunities is always worth it.

These aren’t abstract ideas. They’re practical, powerful tools you can use right now. Every week I’ll be here with more insights, mindset shifts, and curated resets to help you grow at work and at home.

Let’s rise — together.
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