Crystal Clear Observations

 Last month, I had the extreme pleasure of attending the Embrace Ambition Summit in New York hosted by the Tory Burch Foundation. Having attended business summits before, I went in with the expectation that the same topics presented by the same "types" would be facilitated. Boy was I wrong! The summit was simply amazing and I honestly cannot think of a time I felt more empowered and inspired as a woman. Every interaction and touchpoint was thoughtful and intentional. I loved how the program included audience speakers who you may not have known but had meaningful stories and impact. As an African-American woman who was once a single mother, has battled breast cancer, was subjected to childhood traumas, fought (and won) workplace discrimination among other career and life setbacks, it was reassuring to hear stories of perseverance from other women who shared their authentic stories without shame or guilt. Their transparency made me realize that we are never truly alone in any b

  I have always been a fighter. The tendency to challenge things brewed in my belly as a child. Having your favorite brother killed in a hit and run accident as a child does something to you. You constantly seek justice whether intentional or not. Life circumstances have molded me into an advocate for others. Often when others around me lack the tools or resources to advocate for themselves, I accept the challenge and forge forward. Fighting for something today will always beat falling for anything tomorrow. Do I ever get tired of fighting? Absolutely but half of the battle is knowing when to join in the ring or throw in the towel. Equip yourself with knowledge so that you can be successful in any battle. 2021 definitely tried my voice, my well-being, my abilities and my patience. It was a year of raising my voice and taking a strong stand for what is right. And luckily, it was a stand worth taking. Moving into a new year, I would like to encourage anyone reading this to always strive