Principles and values are core to how we move forward. Relationships are the differential in our lives. For me, APAWLI provided the opportunity to choose into a way of being which significantly changed my life. The lessons were key to unlocking purpose and clarity while providing pathways to strong relationships. Who knew that my martial arts discipline and curious geekiness would find voice among women (that I would not ordinarily meet in everyday life) who became my chosen family.
I became aware of the APAWLI organization in 2001 when a friend invited me to their national conference. I was so impressed with the caliber of the attendees that I applied for their National APAWLI Signature Program. That decision was life changing. My respect and belief in the organization was obvious as I navigated forward from fellow to board member to board chair roles. In 2008, APAWLI surfaced the question of whether it had successfully reached its goal. We were at a decision point to close down the organization. Knowing these circumstances AND recognizing the continued need for the programs we offered, I put my name in the hat to step into the President/CEO role. Each step along the way was accompanied with life lessons, community stories and laughter… Oh, and food, good food!
Over the years, the organization structure has evolved. However, the essence has remained the same – How to develop thoughtful, compassionate leaders. Out of necessity, the design of established programs shifted to meet current needs. In addition, new programs have emerged in recognition of the broad community required to build, maintain and support the continued growth of whole person leadership.
APAWLI 2002-2003 Class
Humor me as I provide a glimpse as to how the APAWLI program was different. In 2002, the breadth of my experience encompassed government, academia and technology startups. The depth of that work included many “firsts” in my field(s), numerous awards and a few patents. The workshops, conferences and my technical presentations across sectors followed similar formats and networking opportunities. I knew the rundown to “succeed” … or so I thought.
It’s been over 20 years since my first APAWLI session. “Who Am I?” was the question/theme. When paired with the subsequent question, “And So What?”, it was clear this was a program like no other. As intro to the first session, we were asked to provide introductions via the story our name. There was no nod to status, positional title or workplace. We simply shared who we were. As one of our teachers, Puanani Burgess, gently explained, “Let us meet each other ‘piko to piko’, ‘belly button to belly button’. Hmmm, not what I expected from a national leadership program. Don’t get me wrong, there were moments when we needed to access generosity (i.e. it was obvious a few sisters had much to unpack 😊). The time together opened a portal to memories, aspirations, secrets and dreams. Typically, our days began with physical practice of a martial arts form. After years of study and teaching martial arts, it was a first to find it in a leadership curriculum. It underscored the importance for our attention to our physical health while uplifting a mind/body connection. For me, the associated lesson of “how to be aggressive without aggression” was a different perspective for how one might hold oneself. This stance continues to teach me over the years, even more so in these times.
I realize how privileged and fortunate it was to be part of an amazing APAWLI class and organization. The close relationships I have as a result of my fellowship, the subsequent classes I stewarded over the years and associated work surrounding The Center for APA Women has enriched my life. It has not only given strong voice to my endeavors but provided a community of support. Indeed, while not always like minded in all issues, there is comfort in sharing like heartedness. Through it all, I’ve kept family and community at the heart of purpose.
APAWLI Sisters Across Multiple Classes
These days my time is my own and I continue to choose to give back to our communities. As someone who was more comfortable in my lab or delivering technical presentations, I recognize the privilege I have to choose to support and hold space for others. It is not sacrifice or obligation, it speaks to living fully into one’s principles and values. So, my friends, as we celebrate the 30th Anniversary of APAWLI/The Center for APA Women, I give voice to the same questions – “Who Are You? And So What?”
