A 2023 Recap
As I look back at 2023 I am so proud of what I’ve accomplished, and it puts me in a really thoughtful frame of mind as I consider what I am working toward in 2024. Here are a few milestones and highlights:
January 2023: I embarked on my Coaching Certification journey, beginning a 6 month program through the incredible Coach Diversity Institute. I began working to become a Certified Professional Diversity Coach and made some incredible friendships along the way. I also gave a motivational keynote address for Advocate Children’s Hospital nurse leadership team, who have been facing incredibly stressors over the past 2 years. I also joined the Board of Roland Park Place, a Continuing Care Retirement Community here in Baltimore. It’s an amazing organization with an outstanding team- they achieved CARF accreditation this year and were named the #1 CCRC in Maryland and #11 in the country!!
February 2023: I led a day-long retreat for leaders at the National Aquarium, helping them actualize plans for their DEI strategy. The team was engaged, enthusiastic, and ready to do the hard work! I also presented on creating a compassionate culture for the MAHCR Conference, a group I love working with!
March 2023: I finished chemotherapy infusions and received a “No Evidence of Disease” clearance, which means while I am going to be on a few different medicines for a few more years, the “active” treatments are over and what I am taking now is preventive!!
April 2024: We (my wife and I) got to spend 15 amazing days on a Transatlantic cruise to Europe with 4 of our friends, and I had the literal time of my life. This marked the end of chemo and the beginning of my reentry into the world of joy and adventure!
May 2023: We flew to Orlando, where I gave a 3 hour workshop titled, “Creating an Inclusive Practice” at the American Association of Pediatric Dentists Conference. We turned it into a mini-vacation and it was fantastic (despite my mixed emotions at what is happening in Florida regarding DEIB).
June 2023: Trained the staff at the MD Department of Natural Resources on recognizing and addressing implicit bias. I served as an opening speaker at a Relay for Life event in Pennsylvania, and attended my very first Cancer Survivors Ceremony at Mercy Medical Center, where I have been lovingly taken care of for 2 years.
July 2023: I turned 50!!! That was enough for one month! :)
August 2023: I gave the back to school keynote address for the staff at The Maryland School for the Blind, titled, “Aiming to be Goodish- Fighting Bias and Microaggression,” based on the work of Dolly Chugh.
September 2023: I participated in The Winters Group DEI Strategy Academy, where I learned a great deal about creating impactful DEIB programs for organizations and leaders.
October 2023: I hopped on another plane to give a keynote speech and workshop at the ICF (International Coaching Federation) Arizona Fall Summit. My keynote was titled, “Why Me? Why Not?” and I spoke about how coaching has helped me process through the challenges (Hello, Cancer) and triumphs (amazing professional opportunities) of my year, owning my strengths and ability to overcome and thrive. The workshop was titled, “Putting the I in DEIB,” where we explored how to bring your full self to the challenging work of DEIB, especially if you are unsure of the contributions you have to make in the space.
November 2023: I attended the inaugural “LGBTQ+ Housing Summit” in Washington, DC, and served as a planner and panelist at the conference. It was a true honor to engage with members of the DC community who are focused on addressing the housing crisis that exists in the Capital, specifically for members of the LGBTQ+ community, who we know faces barriers and discrimination at high rates, especially those who identify as trans.
December 2023: I completed and submitted my requirements for the CPDC certification (see above), and am awaiting final word on my status!! I also trained the team at Learning A-Z, holding a session titled, “LGBTQ+ 101, Creating an Inclusive Work Environment.”
It’s humbling to look over the professional and personal events of this past year, especially when the anniversary of my breast cancer diagnosis just passed in November. I am so grateful to be healthy again, and to have had so many opportunities to pursue my passion in new and exciting ways. I am looking forward to all of the new clients I will work with in 2024 as well as the coaching opportunities that I am hoping will come about… here’s to a happy and healthy new year!!
