As a young girl, I spent several summers camping throughout the Western U.S. with my parents, both geologists, while my father did his fieldwork. It was then that I discovered science runs through my veins. Following that discovery, I took part-time jobs during my college and medical school years that serendipitously sparked my interest in the challenges and mechanisms of the many diseases that we call cancer.

What I witnessed set fire to my imagination. Researchers were growing new cell models of human breast cancer in a petri dish searching for potential new treatments. For the first time, I witnessed a bridge between what happens in the lab and the clinic, and I wanted to walk that bridge myself.

Before I could walk that bridge there were lessons I had to learn. As a quiet, introspective individual, the art of study came naturally. For me to grow, however, my National Cancer Institute mentor, Dr. Marc Lippman, who is still my mentor, gave me an important piece of advice.

“You’re quiet, reserved, you always sit in the back of the seminar room. Why don’t you move a little farther forward?” And then he said, “You ought to try to ask a question after every seminar.”

This gentle nudge let me know that it’s OK to put myself out there and encouraged me to take the helm. As a result, I’ve grown to lead research teams that have furthered discoveries about the biology and treatment of breast cancer, and lead organizations driving cancer research and care.

For those who are beginning their careers, I offer a few pieces of advice. Find your passion — mine is reducing the burden of cancer, especially breast cancer. Seek out mentors for guidance and support. You may have different mentors for different phases of your career but keep them all close. Listen to their advice and be willing to take the next step to translate their wisdom into action if it is right for you.

Be ready to say “yes” if an exciting opportunity comes your way but make sure you deliver on what you promised to do. Success will pave the way for other opportunities to contribute and lead. As you advance, support the growth and development of those around you. The power of the team in research and clinical care is a cornerstone for our success in improving cancer care.

Know when to pivot if something isn’t working. When the results of my decade-long research program to use autologous bone marrow transplantation to treat advanced breast cancer came up negative in 2000, I dropped the project within weeks to focus on new approaches to improve outcomes for patients with breast cancer. Knowing when to hold and when to fold makes you stronger in all facets of your life.

This feature is part of our annual Trailblazing Women series, honoring 10 women who turn challenges into progress and lead with courage, vision, and grit.