SPOTLIGHT: Joan Moses, Director of Event Planning

Our Women's History Month series continues today with a reflection on courage and leadership. Joan Moses, Director of Event Planning at Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center (National Harbor, Maryland), has learned to be comfortable with being uncomfortable. Leadership doesn't come with all of the answers.

Very often, forging ahead with what we know (or what we want to know) is how we find the answers we seek and climb higher.

Is there another woman you consider a hero? Who is she, and why is she your hero?

There are too many to choose. I truly admire all women who have faced adversity and allowed it to make them stronger. Their resilience has often served as a reminder to me to keep pushing even when an obstacle seems impossible to conquer. I admire all the women who have trailblazed before me. Together we make things possible for the generations to come.

What is the greatest lesson you've learned in your career? How did it change or shape you

The biggest lesson that I have learned in my career is that there is growth in being uncomfortable. Growth comes when we learn, adapt, and discover new capabilities in ourselves. It has taught me to lean into challenges as they arise.

What words of wisdom or encouragement would you share with aspiring leaders?

When you get the urge to shrink: Don’t.

Be seen. Be heard. Take up space.