Meet Ingrid Quigg Norris

We were lucky to catch up with Ingrid Quigg Norris recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ingrid Quigg, we’re so appreciative of you taking the time to share your nuggets of wisdom with our community. One of the topics we think is most important for folks looking to level up their lives is building up their self-confidence and self-esteem. Can you share how you developed your confidence?

As a child, I was very shy and introverted. I had a few close friends, but I wasn’t the type to join clubs or organizations, so I mostly kept to myself. After graduating from college, I began working as a Recreation Specialist with a local Parks and Recreation Department. Through play, I discovered how to connect with others while developing valuable communication and relationship skills.
Around that time, my supervisor started a local Toastmasters club and encouraged me to join. For readers who may not be familiar, Toastmasters International has been helping people build communication and leadership skills since 1924, impacting nearly eight million individuals worldwide. Each meeting gave me the opportunity to practice both prepared and impromptu speaking, receive constructive feedback, and step into leadership roles.
Through Toastmasters, I blossomed. I eventually served as an area governor for the organization, and the experience gave me the confidence to step into larger stages. Today, I feel privileged to share topics I am passionate about at national conferences across the United States. That journey – from a quiet, reserved child to a confident speaker – shaped both my self-esteem and my ability to inspire others.

Appreciate the insights and wisdom. Before we dig deeper and ask you about the skills that matter and more, maybe you can tell our readers about yourself?

I currently serve as the Executive Director of Education for The Chaser Initiative (TCI), a nonprofit organization built on the legacy of Dr. John Pilley and his remarkable border collie, Chaser, and created run by his daughter, Pilley Bianchi. Our mission is to inspire youth – and adults as well – by demonstrating the power of play in strengthening the bond between humans and their companion animals.
Chaser’s story is exhilarating: through her relationship with Dr. Pilley, she learned the names of more than 1,000 objects, all through joyful, play-based learning. Sharing that story is both exciting and meaningful because it invites people to see dogs not just as pets, but as intelligent partners capable of deep connection and learning.
At TCI, we bring this message to schools and communities across South Carolina, North Carolina, and Georgia through engaging educational programs. What makes our work truly special is that it combines science, play, and compassion in a way that resonates with learners of all ages. Looking ahead, we are excited to expand our reach beyond the Southeastern United States and bring Chaser’s legacy – and the lessons it holds about empathy, curiosity, and the human-animal bond – to a wider audience.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

I believe the three qualities that have been most important in my own journey are curiosity, empathy, and resilience.
Curiosity keeps my work fresh and meaningful. For me, curiosity means always asking questions – about how dogs learn, how children learn through play, or how communities can connect more deeply with animals. For someone starting out, I recommend feeding your curiosity by reading widely, seeking mentors, and being open to learning from both successes and setbacks. Dr. Pilley was a great mentor to many, and he stayed curious throughout his lifetime, so much so that his work with Chaser began when he was in his late 70s. I am looking forward to my curiosity carrying me as far.
Empathy is at the heart of everything. Whether it is understanding a child’s excitement, recognizing a teacher’s challenges, or reading the subtle body language of a dog, empathy builds trust and connection. To strengthen empathy, spend more time observing without rushing to respond.
Resilience sustains me. Leading educational services for a new nonprofit or building any meaningful career comes with obstacles, from limited resources to unexpected roadblocks. For those early in their journey, take small steps, celebrate progress, and don’t be discouraged by setbacks; they are part of the process.
These three qualities have guided me through my own path, and I believe they can serve anyone who is beginning to build their confidence, purpose, and impact.

Awesome, really appreciate you opening up with us today and before we close maybe you can share a book recommendation with us. Has there been a book that’s been impactful in your growth and development?

Any of the books by Og Mandino helped shape my early career. The biggest takeaways for me were that success is built on daily habits and discipline, every individual has worth and potential, and that faith, love, and kindness can be powerful forces for personal transformation.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.chaserinitiative.com
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/thechaserinitiative
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@pilleyjw

Image Credits

Photos by The Chaser Initiative