I was an avid science communicator starting from my undergraduate days. I always thought I will be a scientist who could also communicate well. During grad school, while I was getting my PhD in Environmental Toxicology, I co-founded multiple public science outreach programs and initiatives, in addition to running experiments in the lab and publishing scientific papers. My plan was to go work as a scientist in industry/consulting after I graduate. However, during this time in grad school, I came across a variety of career mentors who were doing incredible work as university/nonprofit leaders. I thought to myself, wow, I could be that someday. During one of my conversations with a senior leader at my university, I mentioned my plan and aspirations of getting industry experience and coming back to work in university/research nonprofit leadership after 10-15 years. They asked me, "Why do you want to be late to the game?" That was a reality check for me. I immediately changed my job search strategy and started looking for job opportunities that would allow me to start using my other non-lab skills immediately. I knew science communication and public engagement in science would get me onto this path. My doctoral training definitely helped define my voice and knowledge as a scientist. My additional skills in communication, outreach, project management, and leadership helped me scope out my career path. I think scientists need to find a seat at the table in more than a few places. We need to be in newsrooms, boardrooms, senate, and beyond. As a scientist myself, I am definitely doing that and hopefully will inspire more scientists to think in those lines as well.