25 Association Executive Profile president of the board asked me to step in as interim CEO. I was in my late twenties at the time, and even though it sounded daunting, he reassured me that I had been running the office anyway. Within five years, I had gone from posting job listings to becoming the executive director of an association, and I hadn’t even turned 30 yet. AC That’s quite a fast track! Were there any pivotal moments or mentors who helped shape your career? MW Absolutely. One of the most important figures in my career was the president of the board who became my mentor. He saw something in me that I wasn’t even thinking about. I knew I would be successful, but I never imagined leading an organization. He encouraged me and guided me through that transition. Mentorship has been crucial for me. A great mentor doesn’t just teach you; they see your potential, sometimes before you do. Mike Deblieux, my mentor, and I built a relationship that lasted over 20 years. He helped me navigate difficult situations, especially as I stepped into leadership roles where I was often the only young, Black woman in a room full of older men. AC How did mentorship impact your leadership style? MW It shaped everything. I believe mentors pick their mentees, and when they choose you, they invest in you fully. Mike hired me because I was authentic, honest, and he trusted me. Over time, he became my mentor and helped me see strengths in myself that I didn’t realize were there. As a leader, I try to offer that same kind of guidance to others. I believe in helping people grow, whether it’s my team or our members. My goal is always to empower those around me to be better, to achieve more. I tell my team that my job is to help them leave for better opportunities down the road. It’s about helping people reach their full potential. AC What does a typical day look like for you as president of BOMA Greater Los Angeles? MW There really isn’t a typical day! That’s part of why I love this profession—every day is different. I spend a lot of time working with my team to make sure they have what they need to succeed. I help remove obstacles, strategize, and make sure the organization is running smoothly. I also spend a lot of time with our members, committees, and advocacy efforts. We’re involved in several coalitions, so I’m often working with other organizations on issues that affect commercial real estate. There’s always something going on. Yesterday, for example, I spent the morning writing the script for our gala and the afternoon doing staff reviews and
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