When Corporate Silence Gets Personal

A reflection on leadership, safety, and belonging in 2024

This week in America was exhausting. The week of January 20th, 2024.

There’s an air of surreality to our reality that is only balanced by gravity — and that’s heavy.

The past few months have been exhausting. As someone who, by nature, ingests and processes massive amounts of information very quickly, feels deeply, and is naturally very expressive, the cognitive and emotional weight is palpable.

My town, like many others, has seen white supremacist demonstrations intimidating community members.

I’m bi, with LGBTQ+ family and colleagues, and my HOA has banned Pride flags. I’m a survivor of SA. And being 1/4 Native American, I carry DNA that literally feels the pain of my ancestors. (If you’re interested in understanding generational trauma, “It Didn’t Start With You” by Mark Wolynn is a fascinating read that makes so many things make sense.)

And yes, I’m fully aware that I’m not even a black woman, an undocumented immigrant, Jewish, or a DEI worker.

I’m not sharing this for attention or sympathy — I’m resilient AF.

I’m sharing because I’m seeking connection.

I’m hoping to find more of my people. People who understand that we can excel in corporate America while maintaining and nurturing our humanity and empathy.