Hey Sis,

Let's talk about that quiet, nagging voice that whispers in the back of your mind when you walk into a big meeting, a new classroom, or a major interview. You know the one: “Are you sure you belong here? What if they find out you’re not as smart as they think you are?”

It’s called imposter syndrome, and trust me, even women who sit on judicial benches have had to face it.

When I first walked into law school, and even early in my career, there were times I felt like an outsider. I didn't see many people who looked like me, talked like me, or came from where I came from. It is incredibly easy to start shrinking in those moments—to quiet your voice, sit in the back of the room, and try to blend in so you don't make waves.

But shrinking does not serve you, and it certainly does not serve the people who are waiting for you to lead.

Stepping into your greatness requires you to have the audacity to occupy space. It means walking into a room and realizing that you didn't get there by accident or luck. You got there through preparation, intellect, and hard work.

When I worked at Memphis Area Legal Services (MALS) for nearly eight years, representing low-income clients and survivors of domestic violence, I had to learn this lesson quickly. I was often going up against seasoned attorneys with far more resources. If I had let myself feel small, my clients would have suffered. I had to realize that my voice was the only shield my clients had in that courtroom. I had to stand tall, speak clearly, and own the space.

Here are three ways you can start practicing the audacity to occupy space today:

1. Stop Asking for Permission to Speak: You don't need an invitation to contribute. If you are in the room, your perspective is valuable. Speak with conviction, not apology. Eliminate phrases like "I'm sorry, but..." or "This might be a dumb question, but..." from your vocabulary.

2. Adjust Your Physical Presence: Take up physical space. Sit up straight, make eye contact, and don't be afraid to sit at the head of the table. (As a yoga teacher, I can tell you that your physical posture directly communicates to your brain that you are safe, strong, and in control!)

3. Remember Who You Represent: When the fear of speaking up creeps in, shift your focus off yourself and onto the people you are fighting for. Whether it is your family, your community, or the young girls coming up behind you, let their need for your voice silence your fear.

When I was appointed as a Magistrate in 2016, I became responsible for making critical decisions under high-pressure circumstances—including setting bonds, signing search warrants, and issuing civil protection orders. I had to step into that authority with absolute confidence. I couldn't hesitate. I had to trust my training, my experience, and my moral compass.

That is the level of prepared, principled leadership we need in the General Sessions Civil Court. When you vote for me, you are voting for a leader who knows how to occupy the seat of justice with poise, authority, and deep-seated respect for the law.

Don’t shrink, sis. The world needs you at your full height.

Mentor Tip: The next time you enter a challenging space, pause, take a deep breath, roll your shoulders back, and remind yourself: “I earned my seat at this table.”

Let’s show Shelby County what prepared, principled, and confident leadership looks like. Mark your calendar and make your voice heard at the ballot box.

• Early Voting: July 17 – August 1

• Election Day: August 6

• Vote Proven with Purifoy!

• Learn more at voteshayla.com and follow along @Shayla Purifoy.