My story isn’t one of straight lines. It’s one of resilience, reinvention, and finding strength in unexpected turns. I began my career in the clinical world with a clear plan: to become a nurse. But when I failed my licensing exam, the dream I had built my identity around suddenly felt out of reach. Instead of giving up, I leaned into the unknown, joining AmeriCorps and discovering that failure can open doors you never imagined. That gap year changed everything. AmeriCorps gave me a front-row seat to service, leadership, and the power of community—and it opened my eyes to opportunities far beyond what I had once envisioned. When I eventually passed the exam and became a nurse, I stepped into the role with a renewed perspective: I wasn’t confined to one path, but free to shape a career defined by both purpose and possibility. That first setback was only the beginning. More challenges, and yes, more perceived “failures” have come since. But each one has become proof that resilience is a skill, and that knowing how to navigate disappointment is just as important as celebrating success. Every detour in my career has been a stepping stone into healthcare leadership, digital strategy, and ultimately executive roles where I've amplified voices and built programs that have created lasting impact. Along the way, I've discovered my true passion: helping people and organizations turn setbacks into sources of strength. I've shared my message with audiences across the country as a TEDx speaker, Forbes Fellow, and 1st Runner Up in the Miss America Organization. With more than 200 speaking engagements under my belt, I'm able to blend storytelling, humor, and heart to inspire people not just to embrace resilience, but to practice it. Today, I continue that mission on stage and through my consulting work as the founder of Raquél Pérez Partnerships. My signature keynote, Failing Forward, is a candid and energizing invitation to rethink resilience—not as something we’re born with, but as a skill anyone can build. Beyond speaking, I partner with mission-driven organizations to sharpen their digital presence and tell stories that connect. From healthcare to education to lifestyle brands, I'm able to bring the same mix of empathy and strategy to help organizations show up authentically and powerfully. For me, failure isn’t the opposite of success; it’s part of the path. And my mission is simple: to help others see that every setback holds the potential to spark a stronger comeback.