Although their leadership roles differ, Joy Enriquez, Chip Hurd, and Roxanne Wilson share tax debt relief common trait. Before being propelled into the limelight, each first mastered the art of serving. In many ways, these leading ladies still maintain supporting roles. Among other influences however, exceptional talent and a strong desire acs student loan consolidation help others fuel their success.

Purposeful Passion

Recording artist and founder of Joyful Child Records, Joy Enriquez is no stranger to the entertainment industry. She was 15 when she appeared on Star Search and 18 when she released her first R&B album on LaFace Records. In addition to being a spokes model for L'Oreal and voice talent, Enriquez is also known for her season long acting role on Warner Brother's hit television series, 7th Heaven.

Prior to embarking on a fulltime music career, Enriquez volunteered with Bridge of Faith--a California based community outreach geared to helping young adult girls transition from adoption and foster care situations to a work-life environment. In order to accommodate her desire to serve while on tour, Enriquez became involved in a similar initiative facilitated by Mercy Ministries. The nonprofit organization meets the needs of young women who face life-controlling problems such as drug and alcohol abuse, addictions, depression, eating disorders, and unplanned pregnancy.

A firm believer that "God can do big things through your gift," Enriquez uses every opportunity to speak to the girls she encounters at Mercy about their dreams and "everyday life issues." "A lot of the girls want to be the next top model, American Idol or dancer on TV," Enriquez advised. Using her experience in entertainment to provide balance she cautions, "If you have to compromise who you are and your integrity it's not worth it because in the end you pay a bigger price."

With a very firm foundation in faith and family, Enriquez made a commitment not to compromise. "Whether it's a job, marriage or a relationship, it's better to wait on God and be patient," she said. "Don't compromise. Don't settle for less. You have to reach for the highest," she admonished.

Even though Enriquez's first album garnered international Specialty Coffees ironcially, it also inspired her to switch gears. Relased one week following the 9/11 attacks, Enriquez came to realize the difference a song makes to listeners. "It was a good pop, R&B album but not something that would help somebody get out of a situation they were in or to cope with life issues," she admits.

Driven by the desire to make a difference in the world, Enriquez opted to make online insurance quote that would "mend people's heart." Instead of releasing another R&B album, Enriquez pursued her passion. With help from her husband, Grammy Award winning super producer, Rodney "Darkchild" Jerkins, Enriquez created a gospel-praise album titled, Atmosphere of Heaven. Jerkins' extensive experience working with the likes of Mary J. Blige, Whitney Houston, Britney Spears, and Usher, enabled them to complete Enriquez's sophomore album in less than three weeks.

Today, Enriquez believes that she is doing what she was born to do: sing, yes, but also, mentor, and inspire. "The older I get the more I realize that [your] gifts make room for where God wants to take you," Enriquez commented. "Singing is great. I love singing, glorifying God, and making great music but that opens the door for me to talk to people and let them know that [their] gifts or talents ultimately came from God the day [they] were born."

Lifelong LessonsChip Hurd is an accomplished actress with more than 10 years of experience on stage, in film and television. A dialogue coach for 20 years besides, Hurd has worked with a variety of entertainers from comedians to athletes and recording artists. Her resume also includes director credits for sitcoms, All of Us, Girlfriends, Hanging with Mr. Cooper, Hannah Montana, Living Single, One on One, and The Parkers.

So passionate about encouraging others and using her gift for ministry, last year, Hurd accepted the position of senior director for Inspired By Media Group's breakthrough audio production, The Bible Experience. Her most fulfilling role to date, Hurd describes directing The Bible Experience as, "one of the most extraordinary blessings God has bestowed upon me." Clearly, Hurd's experience as an actress, dialogue coach, and TV director prepared her to direct the project. Her ability to discern heart, passion, and tone is reflected in the final product.

Known best for portraying Penny Gordon's mother on the 70's sitcom, Good Times, Hurd is the mother of daughters, Kim and Alexis Fields--the eldest of whom she played alongside as an onscreen mom. Even though Hurd's progression from actress to director was seamless, it came at a price. "Once I realized I was going to be in television as a director, I should have taken a break and gone to film school. Because I came out of theater, I fooled myself into thinking I knew how to direct." To be effective as a director, Hurd took it upon herself to learn the roles of supporting crewmembers including director of photography, gaffer, and even cameraman.

Drawing from her experience as a parent and entertainment executive, Hurd has learned many life lessons. "I never got to college because I ended up being a mom, " she said. "I got pregnant in high school and it interrupted what could have been a much easier flow for me--where I would have gone straight into college," Although she graduated from New York's Performing Arts High School, Hurd advised that she had to "learn everything by the seat of [her] britches.'" "That's not the best way to do it especially if you don't have to," she advised.

Reinforced by a lesson Will Smith learned while filming Ali, Hurd stressed how important it is to be consumed by the information you want to master. In addition to acquiring a "trusted godly mentor," Hurd advocates being around people who are more skilled than you and asking a lot of questions.

Among other lessons, Hurd has learned that success is based on application. "God wants to trust you to do your part to prepare yourself and take advantage of all the things that are Coffee Makers to you," she said. Success can also be found in encouraging support. Crediting her husband, Ervin Hurd for her personal growth and achievement, Hurd advised, "We have a beautiful marriage based on love and respect."

Despite having extensive experience with public speaking, directing, and working with high profile personalities, Hurd says one fear remains: Feeling intimidated by hierarchy. Overcoming that fear however, is as simple as "recoginzing that God made all of us and that there is no need to fear," Hurd said.

Boardroom Business

At 27, Roxanne Wilson has achieved much by way of the courtroom and the boardroom. An appellate attorney by trade, Wilson first gained public attention during season five of NBC's The Apprentice. Described by Donald Trump, as "very, very smart... brilliant ...a good speaker... [and] very impressive," Wilson is the first African American woman to make it to the final four. So impressed by her ability to state her case, Trump commented, "I would like to have [Roxanne] represent me in court."

Wilson's track record for making an impression began at an early age. The second of three girls, Wilson was that child who always asked probing questions simply because she wanted to understand. Her skills as a top debater, competitive swimmer, and counselor were developed in the various roles she championed as a teen.

To her credit, Wilson is the first woman and second African American member of Baylor University's Chamber of Commerce fraternity. After two years as a member, Wilson was elected the fraternity's president. In addition to serving as an attorney at Winstead, Sechrest & Minick P.C., Wilson clerked for two justices on the Supreme Court of Texas.

Intelligence, ambition, and congeniality enabled Wilson to secure a spot on The Apprentice. However, fear nearly short-circuited her decision. "I had to let go of the fear of what others would think of [me]," Wilson advised. "I am a daddy's girl and I didn't want to do anything that would disappoint or embarrass [my dad especially]. At the same time, I wanted to take on the challenge of The Apprentice and I realized I couldn't worry about what others--not even my dad-- thought."

Although Wilson has since retired from the courtroom, she remains active in the boardroom. Currently, she is a provisional member of the Junior League of Austin, a national spokesperson for the Make-A-Wish Foundation's Destination Joy campaign, and a member of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation Austin Affiliate Board. Wilson is also actively involved with advancing the young professional's group at Riverbend Church, singing with Riverbend's chorale, and managing her Jazzercise franchise to include instructing classes.

Realizing that being in business leadership is harder for women than men Wilson notes that true leadership is about serving. "You can't lead effectively if you can't put yourself in the shoes of those you are leading. On The Apprentice, those who couldn't relate to the rest of the team alienated the team," she said.

Not one to be moved by limitations, Wilson encourages, "Whether you are young or old, female or male you have to seize every opportunity that comes your way. If the door is even slightly cracked open, push your way through."

Even though she is pursing a new career, Wilson still dreams of returning to law. "One of my dreams has always been to be a U.S. Supreme Court Justice," Wilson said. "If the President called me up and said, Roxanne, I need you to serve as a Supreme Court Justice,' I am there." Until then, Wilson is focused on completing an inspirational and motivational book titled, Footprints in the Boardroom, serving as television host, and speaking to college students and business professionals around the country.

Modeling Dr. Maya Angelou's adage, "As long as I am here, I will be of use," these ladies excel in their area of influence, personally, and professionally. Admired for their talents, character, and accomplishments, they are also celebrated for their commitment to lead by serving.

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