An interview with Takayla King, Head of Belonging at Box, and Ana Querol, Paint Area Manager, Ford Motor Company

Kicking off our Her Story of Rising interview series, Takayla and Ana share how the Women Rising® program supported pivotal moments in their careers — from navigating new leadership roles to gaining the confidence to step into the next opportunity.

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When did you each go through the Women Rising® program?

Takayla: I believe it was 3 years ago, in 2020.

Ana: For me it was 2 years ago.

How have you grown since going through the program? What can you celebrate as it relates to your personal growth?

Ana: Actually, when I was taking the program, I got promoted! When I was going through the program, there was a rumor that I was being considered for area manager in the paint department. I told my coach, “Oh my God, I’m so nervous because I might be in that position next year. I don’t know what will change, and how it would be.” And she accompanied me in that transition, and it was really good to have her by my side.

Takayla: That’s awesome. Congratulations.

Ana: Thank you.

Takayla, what was your experience like?

The Women Rising program came at just the right time for me. It helped me understand myself as a leader, my strengths, and where I could continue to grow. Having the space to invest in myself — with real structure and real accountability — was something I hadn’t given myself before. The mentor-coach relationship was genuinely supportive and helped me navigate important transitions with more confidence and clarity.

What advice would you give to other women considering the program?

Both Takayla and Ana agree: if you have the opportunity to go through Women Rising®, do it. The combination of strengths work, habits coaching, and one-on-one mentorship creates something truly powerful. It’s not just professional development — it’s a space to grow into who you’re already becoming.