3 Major Takeaways

• Strong leadership is built on foundational principles not popularity or position.
• Legacy is the result of intentional service and consistent integrity over time.
• Women leaders carry both influence and responsibility in shaping future access and opportunity.

A retired military leader and civic force outlines the foundational principles that shape disciplined leadership, purposeful service, and a legacy built to outlast the title.

By Felicia Kelly-Brookins• 4 min read

Architects of Impact: The Executive Legacy Conversation
About the Architects of Impact Series
Architects of Impact is an executive spotlight series highlighting accomplished women 50+ who lead
with strength, softness, and strategic clarity. These in-depth conversations go beyond titles to
uncover the “why” behind their work, the responsibility of influence, and the intentional legacy they
are building for the next generation.

Architect of Impact: Brigadier General (Ret.)Margarett
Barnes
Full Name: Margarett Barnes
Current Title: President
Organization/Institution: League of Women Voters of the
Jackson Area
Occupation/Professional Field: Retired U.S. Army Reserve
Retired Bureau Director, State of Mississippi

Number of Years in This Profession:

32 years Army Reserve
28 Years State of Mississippi

You occupy spaces where decisions carry weight and consequence. How would
you define your leadership philosophy, and how has it evolved as you have
moved into positions of greater authority?
Response:
I lead using the Golden Rule. Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. I
am fair yet firm. My moral compass is “The Word"

Titles describe what you do, but rarely capture why you do it. What is the deeper
“why” that anchors your work, and how does it influence the way you show up
each day?
Response:
My “Why” is to leave the space that I occupy better than I found it.

As a woman in executive leadership, how do you interpret the responsibility that
comes with influence?
Response:
I firmly believe that leaders should lead with integrity. Female leaders are held to a higher
standard than male leaders; there are no excuses or passes given to them, and they have the
responsibility to be technically competent in their jobs, ever conscious of the fact that their job
performance can either open or close the door for the next generation of females in that
position. An ethical leader is consistent and fair. They shield their staff by taking responsibility
for team failures and give credit team wins. It is not all about them it about the team.
Leadership extends beyond institutional walls. Please share the organizations or causes
you are actively involved in and why they matter to you.

1. Koinonia Baptist Church
2. League of Women Voters
3. Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Social Action Committee

Response:
I recognize the fact that I have been blessed. These three organizations provide me
with an avenue to provide needed services to others and the opportunity to give back to
the community by paying blessings forward.

When the next generation studies this era of leadership, what do you hope they
will understand about the women who led during it?
Response:

 Family is important
 Find your purpose
 Stay true to yourself
 Strive for excellence through learning
 Honor, loyalty, and integrity matter

 Be decisive yet just
 Stand firm in faith and act boldly

If you could whisper one sentence of wisdom to your younger self, what would it
be?

I would tell my younger self to embrace challenges and difficult tasks; and be fearless in
the pursuit of your goals.
Closing Reflection
What does legacy mean to you, and how are you intentionally building it?

Response:
I would like to be remembered as someone who made a positive difference and be an
inspiration to others to do the same.