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July 30, 2025
I never imagined just how transformative a leadership program could be. Working in San Diego County's contract department, I was focused on the day-to-day work of managing contracts, negotiating terms, and supporting our county's various departments. While that is all important work, something inside me knew I wanted to make a bigger impact. I finished my MBA last year and was wondering how to put that together with the next step, whatever that was.
The turning point came when I received an email from NIGP about the Edge program which is part of NIGP Leadership Summit. As I read it, I thought, "You know what? Let me try it." This was unusual for me. Usually, I don’t participate in many things outside of work, but I felt like I was at a point in my professional life where I needed a stretch opportunity. It felt like serendipity. I applied for the scholarship offered for Edge and I was accepted.
Growing My Network
The Leadership Summit was amazing. There’s no other way to describe it. The way it was structured made the topics clear and precise. It gave me a new perspective, and I felt like I should focus deeply and develop a clear and concise path for my career.
The people involved in Summit were also incredible. In the Edge program, we were a diverse group of about 40 professionals from across the United States, brought together by our shared commitment to public procurement. What made the experience truly special was our small group—the "force majeure"—four women from the West Coast who quickly became my support system and professional confidantes.
We met every other week leading up to the in-person Summit to talk about everything going on in our lives. Some of us went through major life changes during that time, and we were just there to support each other and bounce ideas off each other. When we finally met in person, I hugged everyone. It was so great to see them in person, and I felt like we were already close friends.
There was more to meeting than just seeing my new friends. To come full circle and be in the same space made me feel like wow, we’re really part of something bigger, even though we are coming from different places. NIGP created a network for me that was way bigger than my San Diego network.
The Life-Changing Power of NIGP
One of the most impactful aspects of Edge was the one-on-one coaching sessions. Our instructor met with each of us individually twice to dive deep into our assessments to uncover our strengths, growth areas, and potential blind spots. Honestly, the individual sessions with a very well-respected and experienced coach alone was worth the cost of the program. It added tremendous value to my overall experience.
The experience was so profound that immediately after the program, I made a bold decision - I enrolled in a doctorate program in organizational leadership. The Summit had given me the confidence and clarity to take this significant step in my professional journey. I’m not even exaggerating; I filled out my application while I was at the airport waiting for my flight back home. Leadership Summit helped me put together all the pieces to find my path. I know what a procurement career can be, and I want to create awareness so that our communities and businesses can see its potential too.
Procurement is about so much more than rules and regulations. It's about creating opportunities, supporting small businesses, protecting taxpayer dollars, and ultimately serving our communities. NIGP Leadership Summit and the Edge program helped me articulate this vision more clearly and strategically.
Advice for Leaders
First, if you feel like an opportunity has come to you at the right place and right time, go for it. And if you don’t see any opportunities, seek them out! Find resources, and don’t be afraid to reach out to people who are in those spaces. Before I went to Chicago, I reached out to the school districts to introduce myself and ask them for guidance and resources.
Finally, know that you deserve these opportunities. If you need to convince your organization of that, point to the long-term impacts your experience will have on the organization. I know funds can be lean, but this is a long-term investment that will lead to new perspectives and access to resources to help move your organization forward.
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