Mindy Mcllroy was Diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease in 2014, She did not Let Her Condition Define Her – on the Contrary, She Turned it into Motivation and Resilience to Continue Excelling Both Professionally and Personally.

Q: You started at Terranova as an executive assistant and worked your way up to President. What challenges shaped your leadership, and how did resilience help you navigate them?
MM: Navigating a male-dominated industry while proving myself in leadership roles was a challenge, but I embraced every opportunity to learn and grow. Resilience has been the key to staying focused, adapting to change, and pushing forward even in uncertain times.  

Q: After your Parkinson’s diagnosis in 2014, how did you adapt to continue leading in such a demanding industry?
MM: I chose to see my diagnosis as a challenge, not a limitation. Prioritizing my health, leaning on a strong support system, and staying committed to my work helped me adjust to my new life after the diagnosis. It helped reinforce my belief that perseverance and purpose drive success.

Q: You have turned your diagnosis into resilience and a driving force for advocacy. What has been the most rewarding part of your work with the Parkinson’s Foundation?
MM: Seeing the impact is always the most rewarding part, whether it is raising funds for research, supporting newly diagnosed individuals, or breaking stigmas. Knowing my efforts contribute to progress in treatment and awareness makes every challenge worth it.

Q: Balancing a high-profile career and a health challenge isn’t easy. What mindset or habits help you stay focused and motivated?
MM: Discipline, gratitude, and perspective. I focus on what I can control, prioritize my well-being, and find motivation to make a difference, both in real estate and when being an advocate.

Q: What message do you want to share with others facing adversity, whether in business or their personal lives?
MM: Adversity doesn’t define you, but your response does. Face challenges with courage, embrace change and never underestimate your ability to make an impact. 

Q: What is one word of advice you can offer to young women who want to reach your level of success?
MM: Own your ambition and never be afraid to take up space. It was always hard for me being a woman in a male-dominated field, so I had to learn to be more assertive. 

Q: Can you tell our audience one of your most memorable moments of your career?
MM: Launching The Lincoln Eatery , a food hall in Miami Beach, was definitely a significant moment in my career – it was Lincoln Road’s first-ever food hall, and I was behind the whole concept from design to door opening … seeing it evolve and thrive to become a community hub was extremely rewarding. 

Q: At the start of your career, what do you wish you had known? 
MM: I wish I had taken more risks early on. Sometimes, bold decisions open doors to growth and new opportunities that you will not find if you keep playing safe.

Q: Which woman inspires you and why? 
MM: My mother. She is THE MOST important person in my life. She is 72 years old and is the most active, positive person you will ever meet. Even through her bout with cancer, she kept a positive, can-do attitude. She is always smiling and has a kind word to say about everyone. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to pursue their dream and start a business? 
MM: Stand up for what you believe, your voice matters and can drive change beyond business, so use it wisely. Align yourself with people who share your same values and moral compass. 

Q: What advice would you give to young women who want to succeed in the workplace?
MM: Build relationships instead of “networking” – strong, meaningful relationships are much more valuable than many connections. Also, follow your passion and remind yourself every day of the reason why you do what you do. 

Q: After high school, where did you feel your career path would take you?  
MM: Hospitality. I thought I would be a boutique hotel owner of travel agent. 

Q: Can you tell us how you manage your work life balance?
MM: Be passionate about your career choice and inevitably you will find balance in your professional and personal life as they will bleed into each other. 

Q: What's your advice for women in male-dominated fields?
MM: My advice is so simple it comes down to two words – adaptability and resilience. Make an effort to always embrace change, assert your voice, and contribute valuable perspectives. In a world that is constantly and rapidly changing, those who adapt succeed. 

Thirty-Five Things About Mindy Mcllroy

1. If you could share a meal with any 4 individuals, living or dead, who would they be? 
My mother, Ina Garten, Cleopatra and Queen Elizabeth

2. What's your favorite family tradition? 
Getting up early to have coffee together. 

3. What celebrity would you like to meet at Starbucks for a cup of coffee? 
Ina Garten.

4. What’s your favorite thing to do in your free time? 
Take a nap.

5. Who is the most fascinating person you’ve ever met?  
My Mother.

6. What was the last book you really got into?  
An embarrassment of Mangos.

7. What’s the most amazing adventure you’ve ever been on?  
My recent trip to Marrakesh. Love the people and the culture.

8. Among your friends, what are you best known for? 
Having a happy gene.

9. Where’s the strangest place you’ve ever been?  
On a camel.

10. What’s your favorite international food? 
Pizza.

11. Who is your favorite author?  
Don’t have one.

12. What’s your favorite app on your phone?  
Instagram.

13. Best and worst flavor ice cream?  
Best - pistachio Worst - anything black licorice.

14. What TV shows did you watch when you were a kid? 
The Waltons, Gilligan’s Island, Charlie’s Angels.

15. What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve done? 
Emmy awards in LA with 12 hours’ notice and had to fly from Miami to LA.

16. What’s your favorite quote or saying? 
Life is not measured by the breaths we take but by the moments that take our breath away.

17. If you unexpectedly won $10,000, what would you spend it on? 
I would give it to an animal rescue.

18. Are you a morning person or a night owl?  
Definitely morning.

19. What would your perfect vacation look like? 
Sitting in my backyard enjoying my home, family and animals.

20. Favorite Dessert? 
Coconut creme cake.

21. Favorite City? 
Whichever one I have been to last.

22. Tell me about the best vacation you’ve ever taken. 
Marrakesh Morocco. Amazing people and culture.

23. Do you read reviews, or just go with your gut? 
Go with my gut.

24. What’s your big passion? 
My profession.

25. What’s your signature drink? 
Lemonade.

26. What would you sing at Karaoke night? 
Absolutely.

27. What is your favorite game or sport to watch and play? 
Favorite game is heads up. Basketball to watch and doing a puzzle for pleasure.

28. Have you ever met anyone famous? Who? 
Lots, too many to list.

29. Which of the five senses would you say is your strongest? 
Touch.

30. If you could go back in time to change one thing, what would it be? 
It is too dangerous to mess with the past, instead stay focused on the future

31. What were you like in high school?  
Very social.

32. What would your perfect Saturday be like?  
Enjoying my home with my family, friends and animals.

33. Would you rather cook or order in? 
Definitely cook.

34. What was your favorite subject in school? 
Social studies.

35. Cake or pie? 
Pie.