Diana Feliciano is a people-centered leader who believes in rising to new challenges while lifting others along the way. Her leadership journey has taught her the power of encouragement, inclusion, and recognizing the unique strengths others bring to the table. Grounded by her faith, family, and community, Diana is passionate about helping others grow and making a positive impact in the lives of women.
Fast Facts
- My first pet was a Dutch bunny (black and white) who lived to be 12 years old! She was fed an organic diet of kale, carrots, and bananas!
- I’ve traveled to seven states in the United States and made it a point to visit their botanical gardens!
- I’ve done tandem skydiving in Colorado Springs, where I helped maneuver the parachute to the landing area!
Q & A
“Elevate” is this year’s theme. What does elevate mean to you, and how are you living it out right now?
- To me, elevate means:
To rise for the occasion and be prepared for new levels of challenges to overcome. - To lift up others by being a constant source of encouragement in their high and low moments.
- To rise for a higher purpose, to a higher position where my gifts and talents continue to grow and make a positive impact in other women’s lives.
I love the phrase, “We rise by lifting others.” As I elevate to new levels of success, I lift those around me by offering support and giving my time, whether it’s about career advice or guidance with a personal challenge they are facing. I do this by sharing my knowledge, empathizing with others in their journeys, celebrating their successes, and providing words of encouragement.
Describe a moment when you stepped into a new level of confidence or growth?
The first time I stepped into a new level of growth was when I was asked to be “Interim Manager” of a department with a multicultural team of 12 people. This marked the beginning of my leadership journey. One of the many leadership lessons I learned was the difference between management and leadership. Management is about managing a task, a project, or a process. Leadership is about leading people, leading by example, modeling respectful and kind behavior, building trust, being inclusive of everyone, and seeing the unique value that everyone brings to the team as we work toward accomplishing the established vision and mission.
What empowerment advice would you give a woman who’s ready to take her next step?
Advice I would give includes:
Reflecting on past successes, wins, and victories—big and small—and also the challenges, obstacles, and barriers that were a part of the journey. Reflect on all that you have overcome; it will help build confidence and courage for the next step!
Reflect on knowing yourself and understanding your unique strengths—your natural abilities and passions, and what you love and can do for hours.
Give yourself grace! Every opportunity is a teaching moment. Do not be hard on yourself. Mistakes and struggles will come along the way, but give yourself grace. You can be your own worst critic and your own best friend. It’s not about perfection; it’s about progress.
Explain what motivates or grounds you when life or work feels challenging?
My faith grounds me and gives me the strength and fortitude I need daily.
My support system includes my family and God-given family, as well as my circle of caring friends who have known me for a long time, who have been with me through different situations, and who have stood by me and continue to stand by me when life and work bring new challenges.
Tell us about any unique skills, talents, or interesting hobbies.
I enjoy floral design and creating different arrangements depending on the season! I also enjoy hiking at various state parks and spending as much time outdoors as possible!
