Gena's 40 over 40 Story

Why is it important to be part of the 40 over 40 campaign?
I do everything I can in my corporate leadership role to mentor and build up other women! This movement is another avenue to share how wonderfully made women are at any age!

What is your favorite body part or feature? 
My eyes

What is the reason we are doing this photoshoot? Are we celebrating a milestone, transformation, or another event?
I will be 50 in June, but more than that, I want to share this experience with other women who are being the super hero in their family!

What is the most valuable lesson life has taught you?
Growing up and in my early twenties I let other people and society put me in a box. I never felt I belonged in that box. When I finally realized that I control how I show up and who I show up as, I gained a ton of confidence and began to love myself.....flaws and all! Being myself and doing what I love is all it ever should have been about!

What wisdom would you like to share with your younger self?
Love is not always all you need!

Who was the most influential person in your life and why?
My friend and mentor Brenda. She always believed I could do anything, and challenged me many times in my career to do things that were uncomfortable. I grew tremendously from those experiences and learned to value the failures and celebrate the successes along the journey.

What's your favorite beauty secret?
I love Monat hair and skincare products! My hair has never been really full and lush, but since I have been using Monat I love my hair again!

What are you most excited about when it comes to this photoshoot?
Exploring my beauty through another person's eyes.

What do you hope to gain from participating with the 40 over 40 campaign?
39 new friends!

Describe yourself in 3 words
Passionate. Driven. Determined.

What's your favorite color?
Black

What are you most anxious about when it comes to doing this photoshoot?
My braces! I am hoping they don't distract the intended outcome of the photos.

Describe when you felt the most beautiful.
Giving birth to my second child. It was fast, easy and I got a lot of attention from the nurses for having her naturally. They made me feel like superwoman! Just being a mom.....makes me beautiful!

When were you the most proud of yourself?
When I started back to school to get my doctorate after 20 years!

You can participate in the next round of the 40 over 40 too!  Celebrate you and share your story, your wisdom, your strengths and your beauty while proving that there's no shame in aging!  Click to learn more and apply today!