Meet Candice

Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Candice. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Candice, so great to have you with us and we want to jump right into a really important question. In recent years, it’s become so clear that we’re living through a time where so many folks are lacking self-confidence and self-esteem. So, we’d love to hear about your journey and how you developed your self-confidence and self-esteem.

Confidence and self-esteem are things I really struggled with throughout my teens and even into my twenties. During those years, I often looked to the world and to other people for validation, trying to measure up to standards that constantly changed. Over time, I realized that chasing approval only left me feeling empty and uncertain about who I was.

My confidence began to grow when I understood that my identity and worth aren’t defined by society or by what others say about me. I discovered that my true identity is found in Jesus — I am who He says I am, created in His image, and nothing can change that. Embracing that truth gave me freedom and peace. Now, instead of striving for perfection or comparison, I can walk boldly and confidently through life, grounded in who God created me to be.

There’s so much beauty in recognizing that there is no one else like you walking this earth. Your gifts, your talents, your personality, your features — all of it is intentionally designed. You are one of one, created with purpose and significance. And when you truly allow that to sink in, confidence becomes a reflection of gratitude for who you were made to be.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?

Currently, I have the honor of serving as the Program Operations Director for Girls Inc. of Huntsville, a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering girls to find their voice, explore new opportunities, and grow into their full potential. In this role, I oversee programs that help girls build confidence, develop leadership skills, and discover their strengths — it’s incredibly rewarding to watch them blossom into the bold young women they’re meant to be.

In addition to my work with Girls Inc., I also serve as a leader in youth ministry at my local church. I have a deep passion for pouring into young people and pointing them to Jesus, helping them understand their value and purpose. Both spaces — my professional role and my ministry — allow me to do what I love most: equip and affirm the next generation to believe in who they are and who God created them to be.

I’ve always been a natural encourager — someone who finds joy in uplifting others and helping them see what’s already inside of them. What excites me most is seeing transformation — when a girl or teen realizes who she is, that she is capable, and that her voice matters. Watching that spark of confidence ignite never gets old.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

For me, humility is essential. It reminds me that I don’t have to have all the answers and that leadership is not about doing everything alone. Asking for help and valuing the input of others is a sign of strength, not weakness. It creates space for collaboration and growth.

Empathy is equally important. When you lead with understanding and compassion, you build trust and connection. It allows you to see people as individuals — to listen, support, and respond with care. True impact begins with the ability to understand another person’s perspective.

Lastly, I believe in the power of healthy communication and transparency. Being open and honest fosters a positive and trusting culture, whether in a workplace, ministry, or community. Clear communication builds alignment, accountability, and a sense of shared purpose — and that’s where people and teams truly thrive.

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Advice for Those Early in Their Journey:
My advice for anyone early in their journey is to take time for self-reflection and be intentional about learning who you are and what you value. The world will always have opinions, but knowing your core — what grounds you and what you stand for — is what will sustain you through every season.

Integrity is everything. Stay true to your word, do the right thing even when no one is watching, and lead with love always. Those qualities will carry you further than any title or position ever could.

Also, stay open to guidance and wisdom from trusted mentors, counselors, and spiritual advisors. Their perspective can help you see things more clearly, stretch your growth, and remind you that you’re not walking this journey alone. Try not to be too hard on yourself when you stumble. Every mistake comes with a lesson, and there’s a blessing in every lesson. God is both great and gracious—able to make our missteps work for our good and His glory.

Do you think it’s better to go all in on our strengths or to try to be more well-rounded by investing effort on improving areas you aren’t as strong in?

I believe growth should always be the goal. While it’s important to know and leverage our strengths, I also think we should be intentional about developing in areas that aren’t as strong. Focusing only on what we do well can limit our perspective, while stretching ourselves in weaker areas builds resilience, adaptability, and balance. True growth happens when we’re willing to be uncomfortable — when we allow ourselves to be stretched, challenged, and refined in ways that make us stronger and more self-aware.

In my own journey, one of the biggest areas I’ve had to grow in is public speaking. For a long time, I was reluctant and fearful of it — I’d much rather be behind the scenes than standing in front of a group sharing a message. But over time, I realized that God was calling me to use my voice to encourage, teach, and lead in ways I never imagined I could. Each time I chose obedience over fear, I grew stronger and more confident. I began to see the impact — hearts encouraged, lives touched, and doors opened — results I may never have experienced had I stayed in my safe place. It’s in those moments of stretching and uncertainty that we discover not only new skills but also a deeper sense of purpose and trust in what God can do through us. Growth requires vulnerability — the willingness to admit our fears — and the courage to move forward anyway, knowing that obedience always produces fruit.

Both our strengths and our weaknesses serve a purpose. Our strengths help us shine, but our areas of growth shape our character. And when we’re open to both, we become more balanced, compassionate, and effective leaders — the kind who lift others as we continue to grow ourselves.

Contact Info:

• Linkedin: http://linkedin.com/in/candicendonaldson

Image Credits

Red blazer photo by Headshot HSV.

All other photos by Trilliant Photography.