As we celebrate Women’s History Month, I find myself reflecting on the incredible women who have touched my life in so many ways. From entrepreneurial women in small communities of Cusco, Peru, to the powerful leaders of non-profits and for-profit organizations, each one has played a role in shaping the woman I am today. And, of course, I cannot forget the foundation laid by my mother, whose values I now strive to pass on—particularly to my daughter, Stella Rose.

A Journey of Self-Discovery & Confidence

Believe it or not, I was once the girl afraid to ask for something. I would talk myself out of opportunities before even trying, often saying, “No, I can’t do it.” I remember my mother working tirelessly, trying to instill confidence in me. But self-belief doesn’t happen overnight—it takes time, growth, and countless experiences to understand that with hard work and perseverance, anything is possible.

A Lesson in Taking Initiative

In my pursuit of becoming one of the best Business Development and Proposal Management experts, I joined the Association of Proposal Management Professionals (APMP). When they launched their mentorship program in January, I missed the application deadline. Instead of giving up, I thought, why not apply anyway? Maybe I could be placed on the waitlist.

To my surprise, just 48 hours later, I received a call from Sara Levene, Mentorship Program Coordinator. She informed me that someone had dropped out and asked if I wanted to take their place. Of course, my answer was an immediate YES, YES, YES!

The Power of Mentorship – Meeting Wendy Frieman

Soon after, I received my program schedule and the name of my mentor: Wendy Frieman. At the time, I had no idea who she was—all I knew was that I had the opportunity to learn from someone with more experience than me.

From our very first meeting, I could tell Wendy was sharp, direct, and incredibly organized. As we discussed my goals and planned our weekly check-ins, I started researching her background. That’s when I realized that my mentor was one of the top Proposal Management consultants in the DC Metro area.

Wendy has over 30 years of experience in proposal writing and management, with an impressive record of securing both large and small contract awards. Her expertise spans the entire business cycle—from business development and capture management to proposal execution. Having someone of her caliber as my mentor is an honor and privilege I never imagined.

Lessons from Our Weekly Conversations

Every Tuesday, I look forward to our meetings, where I continue to learn something new about proposal management. We discuss pricing strategies, contract research, business development initiatives, and we both agree on one thing—AI is here to stay, and it’s transforming our industry.

A Tribute to Women Who Lift Others Up

This Women’s History Month, I want to honor the women who have supported, guided, and inspired me. Whether it’s mentors like Wendy, the hardworking women artisans in Peru, or the fearless leaders I admire—they all embody strength, resilience, and the power of lifting others up.

To all the women making an impact—keep pushing boundaries, keep learning, and most importantly, keep believing in yourself. Because the world needs more women who dare to dream and take action.

Cheers to ALL the wonderful women in my life!

Till next week,

Evelyn Brooks