I recently had the honor of giving the faculty/staff closing toast at the McCombs Black Alumni Association’s Annual Gala, By Design. As I prepared for the evening, I kept thinking about what it means to be “by design.” Not just the careers we build. Not just the lives we create.…
Resilience
🍎 Fran Ellis & the Fruit of Balance
A Resilience Tree Leadership Fable Fran Ellis had always been known for her generosity. She was the kind of leader who could light up a room, soothe a tense meeting, and mentor three people before lunch. Her colleagues marveled at how she made space for everyone. “She’s a natural giver,”…
🔥 Ember Daniels and the Fire Within
A Resilience Tree Leadership Fable Ember Daniels was a rising leader in her organization, known for her passion and vision. When she spoke, people leaned in. Her energy was magnetic, she could spark excitement in a room and ignite new ideas with ease. But lately, Ember felt her fire flickering.…
The Identity Tax
Why High-Performing Professionals are Hiding Behind the ‘Invisible Bar’ (and How to Break Free) In the modern professional landscape, there is a heavy, unspoken pressure to “fit in.” For many, particularly women of color, this often manifests as a persistent feeling of being “othered,” a state where one must meticulously…
🍎 Fruitful Beginnings: Reflections from Our Spring Gathering
This monthly women’s empowerment gathering felt especially fitting for this season. With spring break here and the season of renewal all around us, our conversation naturally turned toward fresh starts and what it means to create space for growth. We described this moment as “fruitful beginnings.” Just as trees prepare…