In celebration of Women’s History Month, we are highlighting the women of Core who have left their mark on our past and continue to shape our future.

As an organization that is largely comprised of women, we are excited to explore which women helped to play a pivotal role in their lives and what Women’s History Month means to them.

Today, we highlight our incredibly hard-working and driven Operations Manager of Core Fort Lauderdale, Tonya Napolitano.

WHAT DOES THE PHRASE “EMPOWERED WOMEN, EMPOWER WOMEN” MEAN TO YOU AND HOW DO YOU LIVE THIS IN YOUR DAILY LIFE?

I think you can be inspired and empowered by anyone. Just try to be the best person you can be.

WHAT QUALITIES MAKE A GREAT FEMALE LEADER?

The qualities that make a great leader are balancing strength and understanding, determination and patience, and assertiveness and humility.

WHAT FEMALE PUBLIC FIGURE, PAST OR PRESENT, INSPIRES YOU AND WHY?

Ruth from the bible. She was strong and faithful no matter the obstacle she faced, and she faced many!

GROWING UP, WAS THERE SOMEONE IN YOUR LIFE THAT INSPIRED YOU TO BECOME WHO YOU ARE TODAY? WHO WAS IT AND WHY?

My grandfather. I was 1 of 5 children growing up but as my grandfather’s only granddaughter he made sure I felt like I was the only little girl on the earth. Having that feeling growing up helped to reinforce the belief that I could be or do anything I wanted in life.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH YOU WOULD HAVE KNOWN EARLY IN YOUR CAREER?

My own inner strength.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU’D LIKE THE NEXT GENERATION OF CHILDREN TO KNOW?

That hard work and perseverance pay off in the long run and nothing in life is free.