Recognizing the good, not just in one's own personal circumstances, but in the world, makes anything possible. When I am asked about the important characteristics of leadership, being of good, positive mind is at the top of my list. If a leader can focus on the meritorious characteristics of other people and try to play to their strengths as well as find value in even the most difficult situation, she can inspire hope and faith in others and motivate them to move forward.

We must trust our own thinking. Trust where we're going. And get the job done.

A lot of young girls have looked to their career paths and have said they'd like to be chief. There's been a change in the limits people see.

Women in leadership roles can help restore balance and wholeness to our communities.

Prior to my election, young Cherokee girls would never have thought that they might grow up and become chief.

I think the most important issue we have as a people is what we started, and that is to begin to trust our own thinking again and belive in ourselves enough to think that we can articulate our own vision of the future and then work to make sure that that vision becomes a reality.

Every single person has leadership ability. Some step up and take them. Some don't. My answer was to step up and lead.