In this empowering episode of the CLIMB Podcast, I, Felicia Smith, have the pleasure of speaking with the remarkable Stephanie Moore, a chief engineer and senior associate with nearly two decades of experience in supporting federal government clients in cybersecurity and space initiatives. As the founder of The Climb, Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to increasing the representation of women of color in leadership roles, I am thrilled to dive into Stephanie's inspiring career journey and the invaluable insights she has to share. We kick off the episode by exploring Stephanie's early fascination with technology, which began in her childhood as she took apart and reassembled various gadgets. This curiosity led her to pursue a degree in business with a focus on management information systems, ultimately paving the way for her successful career in STEM. Stephanie emphasizes the importance of continuous learning in the tech field, encouraging aspiring professionals to embrace the ever-evolving nature of technology. As we delve deeper into her career, Stephanie candidly discusses her unexpected rise to executive leadership. Initially, she did not envision herself in such a role, but with the support of mentors and sponsors who recognized her potential, she learned to advocate for herself and pursue opportunities for growth. We discuss the critical difference between mentors and sponsors, highlighting how sponsors actively promote and create opportunities for their mentees. Stephanie also shares her personal experiences of balancing motherhood with her professional aspirations. With four children, she reflects on the sacrifices she made early in her career, choosing to focus on her family while still contributing meaningfully at work. The COVID-19 pandemic provided her with a unique opportunity to pivot, allowing her to engage more deeply in business development and leadership activities. Throughout our conversation, we address the challenges women of color face in leadership positions, particularly the need for organizations to provide the necessary resources and training to ensure their success. Stephanie stresses the importance of maintaining a network of mentors and sponsors even after reaching executive levels, as ongoing support is crucial for continued growth. As we wrap up the episode, Stephanie offers invaluable advice to our listeners: prioritize self-care and wellness, and actively work to mentor the next generation of women leaders. She encourages everyone to reach back and lift others as they climb, fostering a strong pipeline of future executives. This episode is a treasure trove of insights for women of color aspiring to leadership roles, and I am grateful to Stephanie for sharing her journey and wisdom with us. If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to connect with us on social media and subscribe for more empowering conversations. Keep climbing and thriving, sis!