Women Who Lead: Celebrating the Voices Shaping Our Future

March marks Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate the achievements, leadership, and contributions of women past and present. It is an opportunity to recognize the progress that has been made while also honoring the women who continue to shape the future through their work, leadership, and influence. We are proud to spotlight women within our organization who are making a meaningful impact and inspiring those around them. Throughout March, we will be sharing responses from women in leadership as they reflect on their influences, values, challenges, and what Women’s History Month means to them.

Today, we’re celebrating Becky Small, whose leadership and thoughtful approach continue to inspire those around her.

Leadership Philosophy

Q: What values guide you most as a leader?

A: Integrity. Accountability. Growth

A Defining Moment

Q: Was there a moment in your career that helped shape the leader you are today?

A: There wasn’t just one moment — there were several that shaped the leader I am today. Early in my career, I worked as a dispatcher. When you’re on the other end of the phone with someone in one of the worst moments of their life, you learn very quickly that people need calm leadership, clear thinking, and someone who genuinely cares about helping them through it. That experience taught me how important it is to stay steady and people-focused, especially when things get difficult.

Later in my career, I started to see the impact leadership can have on someone’s growth. One moment that stands out is when Alyssa interned with us at the City of Myrtle Beach. Watching her grow into the professional she is today has been incredibly rewarding. She’s told me she considers me a mentor, which honestly surprised me at first — but it reminded me that leaders often influence people more than they realize.

Another defining moment was when Angela saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. She told me one day she was going to “steal” me to work on her team. I laughed at the time, but years later I ended up doing exactly that. Having someone believe in you like that can change how you see your own abilities.

Looking back, those experiences shaped how I lead today. They taught me that leadership isn’t just about processes or results — it’s about showing up for people, recognizing their potential, and helping them grow, sometimes before they even see it themselves.

Biggest Lesson Learned

What is one lesson leadership has taught you that you wish you knew earlier?

One lesson leadership has taught me is that people remember how you invest in them. Some of the moments that shaped my career most came from leaders who believed in me before I believed in myself. I’ve tried to carry that forward in how I lead others.

Challenges & Growth

What challenges have helped you grow the most in your career?

One of the experiences that helped shape me most was working in law enforcement dispatch early in my career. Being on the phone with people during some of the worst moments of their lives teaches you quickly how to stay calm, think clearly, and focus on helping others. Those lessons have stayed with me and continue to influence how I lead today.

Mentorship & Influence

Q: Who has been influential in your professional journey?

A: One of the biggest influences in my professional journey has been the people who saw potential in me before I saw it in myself. Angela is a great example of that—she challenged me to grow and step into opportunities I may not have taken on my own.

At the same time, the people I’ve had the chance to hire and work with over the years have influenced me just as much. Watching someone like Alyssa start as an intern and grow into the professional she is today is incredibly rewarding.

What has probably shaped me most, though, is seeing so many people I’ve hired flourish in their own lives and careers. I still follow many of them today, and it’s meaningful to watch them discover their passions and continue growing. Moments like that remind me that leadership isn’t just about the work we do—it’s about the impact we have on people long after they move on.

Impact

Q: What impact do you hope to have on your team or the next generation of leaders?

A: I hope to have the kind of impact that helps people approach challenges with calm, clarity, and perspective. In roles like People Operations, people often come to you when they’re frustrated, confused, or dealing with a difficult situation. I’ve learned that it’s important not to react emotionally or take things personally, but instead stay steady, listen, and focus on helping find a solution.

If I can help the next generation of leaders understand that leadership isn’t about reacting quickly, but about responding thoughtfully and supporting people through challenges, then I feel like I’ve made a meaningful impact.

Something You Might Not Know

Q: What is one thing people might be surprised to learn about you?

A: People might be surprised to learn that I originally planned to go to school for architecture. My career took a different direction, but I guess in a way I still ended up building things—just teams, systems, and processes instead of buildings.

Women’s History Month Reflection

Q: What does Women’s History Month or International Women’s Day mean to you?

A: Women’s History Month is a reminder of the impact women have had across every profession and community. It’s an opportunity to recognize those contributions and continue creating environments where women can grow, lead, and succeed.