We recently connected with Dr Gloria Hill-Murray and have shared our conversation below.
Dr Gloria, thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?
I draw my resilience from the experiences of my early life. As a child, I witnessed my mother endure both emotional and physical abuse. In those moments, I made a deep unwavering decision within myself that I would do whatever it took to ensure that would never become my reality. That determination became a driving force in my life. Additionally, spending time at my best friend’s home-where love, respect, and stability were present–opened my eyes to what a healthy environment could look like. It gave me hope, a vision of what was possible, and the courage to pursue it for myself.
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?
Bio- Dr. Gloria Hill-Murray, an ordained pastor residing in Hagerstown, Maryland, holds a Doctor of Education in Community Care and Counseling with a focus on Marriage and Family from Liberty University. She and her spouse are proud parents of seven adult children and grandparents to four. Embracing her identity as a “country girl with a city flair,” Dr. Gloria is the founder of Flair Now Inc., a nonprofit organization dedicated to empowering women to discover and pursue their passions during pivotal seasons of life, leveraging community resources to support their journeys.
A dynamic inspirational speaker, counselor, life coach, and conference host, Dr. Gloria focuses on women’s events and youth empowerment. Her work centers on guiding individuals to overcome familial and societal challenges, fostering resilience, and rediscovering life’s purpose.
Dr. Gloria is the author of 30 DAYS Daily Devotion, available on Amazon, and a recent TEDxHagerstownWomen speaker (2023), where she addressed “The Resilient Response to Abuse.” Graduate of Leadership Washington County Class 38 2025, and a Board Member of the Arc of Washington County. she is also celebrated for her poetic affirmations and motivational writings, which inspire women to navigate life’s struggles with strength and grace.
Purpose- As a counselor, leadership trainer, and author of 30 Days of Daily Devotion, I’m passionate about blending faith, mental wellness, and practical strategies for success. The most exciting part of my work is witnessing transformation — seeing women find their voice, embrace their worth, and create lasting impact in their families and communities.
This year, Flair Now Inc. is launching expanded women’s empowerment training, both in-person and online, to reach more women than ever before. My mission is simple: to inspire, equip, and empower women to move from vision to victor
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1.Faith, collaboration (Network), Reflections and Patience
Faith refers to a deep trust in God and yourself, your mission, and the possibility of positive change—even when results aren’t immediately visible. Why it matters: Faith fuels perseverance, especially during setbacks. It helps you stay committed to your purpose despite uncertainty.
How to develop: Cultivate self-belief through meditation, small wins and celebrate progress. Surround yourself with supportive people who reaffirm your vision.
Advice: Remind yourself regularly of your core values and purpose. Practice resilience by turning obstacles into learning experiences.
2. Collaboration (Network)
This quality centers on building relationships and partnerships with others to achieve common goals.
Why it matters: Collaboration multiplies impact. A strong network provides support, resources, and diverse perspectives that enrich your journey.
How to develop: Engage actively in communities—attend events, join organizations, and seek mentors. Offer genuine help and listen to others’ experiences.
Advice: Be intentional about networking. Follow up with new contacts, share knowledge generously, and build trust through consistent, positive interaction. “Give Back”.
3. Reflections and Patience
Reflection is the practice of thinking critically about your experiences; patience is the ability to endure slow progress and setbacks without losing motivation.
Why it matters: Reflection helps you learn from your actions, while patience keeps you grounded and resilient over time.
How to develop: Set aside time for regular self-assessment: journal, seek feedback, and adjust your approach. Accept that meaningful change takes time.
Advice: Embrace the journey—growth is often non-linear. Celebrate small milestones, and remember that both setbacks and successes are opportunities for learning.
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?
Maya Angelou’s poems “Phenomenal Woman” and especially “Still I Rise” are celebrated for their powerful messages of resilience, self-worth, and unwavering spirit in the face of adversity. “Still, I Rise” made a tremendous difference in how I internalized the pitfalls in life, it’s for several profound reasons: Why “Still I Rise” Makes a Tremendous Difference Affirmation of Inner Strength The poem repeatedly asserts, “I rise,” in the face of oppression, discrimination, and doubt. Angelou’s words remind us that setbacks and negativity from others do not define our worth or our future. This message can profoundly shift how you perceive and respond to life’s pitfalls—encouraging you to see every challenge as an opportunity to rise above. Empowerment in the Face of Negativity “Still I Rise” directly addresses racism, sexism, and societal attempts to diminish one’s spirit. By flipping these experiences into declarations of dignity and self-respect, Angelou empowers us generously, and build trust through consistent, positive interaction.
Contact Info:
- Website: [email protected] Flairnowinc.org
Image Credits
Julie Zegar
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