Rising Stars

Celebrating the young women and emerging leaders who are shaping tomorrow.

Every community has bright, ambitious people who are just beginning to leave their mark.

Some are students launching their first projects. Others are new professionals, young entrepreneurs, artists, athletes, or volunteers. Rising Stars is Her Mind’s tribute to those emerging leaders and a guide for anyone ready to step into her own potential, at any age. Being a rising star is not about fame or titles. It is about growth, courage, and a commitment to making something better. Howard County is full of women, from the first female County Executive to today’s young scientists and creators, who show what is possible when talent meets opportunity.

Six Qualities of a Rising Star

Curiosity

Rising stars ask questions and seek out new experiences. They read widely, try unfamiliar things, and treat every setting as a chance to learn.

Resilience

Setbacks are part of every journey. Rising stars bounce back, learn from mistakes, and keep working toward their goals.

Initiative

They do not wait to be asked. They start the club, propose the project, or volunteer to take on a challenge.

Generosity

They lift others as they climb, sharing credit, offering help, and celebrating the successes of those around them.

Confidence

They trust themselves enough to speak up, even when they are the only woman in the room, and they keep learning how to do it better.

Integrity

They keep their word and treat people fairly. A reputation for honesty is the most valuable asset an emerging leader can build.

Four Pathways to Shine

Learn

Pursue education, certifications, and workshops. Take advantage of community college courses, library programs, and online classes.

Serve

Volunteer with local organizations. Service builds skills, relationships, and a sense of purpose.

Create

Start something of your own, such as a business, a blog, a performance, or a community project.

Lead

Seek leadership roles in school, work, or clubs. Leading teaches communication and decision making.

Find Your People

No one rises alone. Mentors offer guidance, sponsors open doors, and peers provide encouragement. Look for professional groups, women’s networks, and community organizations in Howard County where you can meet people who share your goals. Ask thoughtful questions, follow up after meetings, and express gratitude. When you find a mentor, come prepared with specific goals and respect their time. As you grow, remember to become a mentor yourself, because passing along what you know is how a community builds its next generation of leaders.

Questions to Ask Yourself

What am I most curious about right now?
Which skill would open the most doors for me?
Who could I ask to be my mentor?
What is one small project I could start this month?
How can I use my strengths to help others?
What would I try if I knew I could not fail?

Habits That Sustain Success

Plan your week

Set priorities on Sunday evening and review them midweek. A simple plan keeps you focused on what matters most.

Keep learning

Read, listen to podcasts, and attend workshops. Even twenty minutes a day compounds into real expertise.

Guard your health

Sleep, movement, and time with friends fuel ambition. Burnout helps no one, so build rest into your routine.

Build Your Reputation

Your reputation is made of small moments: showing up on time, following through, giving credit, and treating everyone with respect. Create a simple professional profile that shows your skills and goals, and keep it current. Collect examples of your work, from projects to volunteer efforts, so you can share them when opportunities arise. Ask for feedback and thank people who give it. A strong reputation travels ahead of you and opens doors you may not even know exist.

Speak Up and Step Forward

Many women hesitate to share their ideas, apply for stretch roles, or ask for what they deserve. Practice makes it easier. Prepare a few talking points before meetings, volunteer to present, and say yes to opportunities that make you a little nervous. When you negotiate, research typical compensation, be clear about your accomplishments, and stay calm and confident. Each time you step forward, you expand your sense of what is possible and make it easier for the women who follow.

Celebrate Other Stars

A rising community lifts everyone. Congratulate colleagues on their successes, recommend friends for opportunities, and share useful resources. Attend events that honor local achievements, and mention the women who inspire you. Generosity does not diminish your own light. It reflects it, and it creates a culture where talented women feel seen and supported at every stage of their journey.

Your Next Step

You do not need a perfect plan to begin. Choose one quality from this page that you want to strengthen, one pathway you want to explore, and one person you want to reach out to this week. Write them down, take a small action, and check in with yourself in a month. Rising stars are made by steady steps taken with courage, and the next one can be yours. The community is ready to cheer you on.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to be young to be a rising star?

No. The phrase describes someone whose growth and potential are on the rise, regardless of age. Many women launch new careers, businesses, and projects in midlife and beyond. What matters is curiosity, effort, and the willingness to begin.

How can I find a mentor?

Start with people you already admire at work, in your community, or through professional and women’s organizations. Reach out with a brief, specific request, such as asking for twenty minutes of advice. Come prepared with questions, follow up with thanks, and build the relationship over time.

What should I do when I feel like I am not ready?

Almost everyone feels that way before taking a big step. Break the goal into smaller tasks, build skills as you go, and lean on your support network. Readiness often arrives after you begin, not before, so take the first manageable step.