2024: A Year of Growth, Resilience, and Achievements

As we inch towards a brand-new year, memories from 2024 flow like a movie reel in front of my eyes. While it brings me immense joy, I am also filled with immense gratitude for a year that has been as challenging as it has been rewarding. As I feel moisture filling the edges of my eyes, I know 2024 was all about embracing my authentic self, creating meaningful connections, and contributing to a healthier, more balanced world.

The year would not have been possible without my sons, my mother, my community, and one amazing team at Verizon.

Cybersecurity Meets Inspiration: 2024 offered me opportunities to blend my professional expertise and passion for storytelling, I delivered a?Podcast on cybersecurity, shedding light on the evolving challenges in this field and inspiring others to navigate the digital landscape with courage and awareness. Especially as a women leader. I also became a Key note speaker for ISC2 SECON and contributed to many cybersecurity conversations as a panelist.

Yoga Retreats and Teaching Milestones : This year, I organized and conducted?Three yoga retreats, offering safe-sacred spaces for individuals to reconnect with themselves amidst the hustle of life. These retreats, set in serene environments, focused on mindfulness, being present, and tapping into the power of self-care. I taught yoga to >100 students for?>200 hours, with one of the most fulfilling opportunities being at the?Cardio Metabolic Institute. Witnessing lives transform through yoga and contributing to a healthier world reaffirmed my passion for this ancient practice.

Family: This year deepened my bond with my family, especially my mom and my niece, Alex. From sharing heartfelt conversations to creating cherished memories, these relationships are a true source of strength, joy, and grounding. Time spent with Alex, in particular, leaves me in awe and inspires me every day to embrace life with similar courage.

Finding the Voice and storytelling: 2024 also gave me the platform and motherhood a mic to share my story and advocate for healing in profound ways. Speaking at the?Listen to Your Mother stage, a SOLD-out event in front of 200+ audiences allowed me to reflect on my journey with vulnerability and connect with many through shared experiences.

I also spoke in a?mental health panel discussion at YMCA where the community shared their journeys with openness and compassion for addressing mental well-being. It was a humbling experience as people reached out to share their stories and I could see the conversation had opened doors of healing for many in the room.

Exploration and Resilience: Traveling to?Hrishikesh, the spiritual heart of yoga, was a transformative experience once again. Walking along the sacred Ganges and immersing myself in the practice of yoga deepened my connection to my own roots, one more time.

?On the other end of the spectrum, I faced trials that tested my resilience, including a hospital stay for a loved one struggling with mental health issues while another dealing with physical injuries. Through it all, I learned the power of community, the importance of friends & family and those who show up. I understood the strength in asking for support and the beauty of leaning in.

Art and Performance: Performing?Kathak on Five different stages?this year was a dream come true. This classical dance, which was my childhood fascination, became a beautiful expression of creativity and heritage. Deeply grateful for my Guruji and my Kathak buddies.

Literary and Professional Highlights : Books have always been my sanctuary, and this year, HOLY MOLY …. I read 46+ titles, each one offering me fresh perspectives. Professionally, I was honored to receive the?Verizon Spotlight Award, for my personal commitment and excellence. Kudos to my team that makes it all possible and such a blessing to work for an organization that goes above and beyond to offer employees the opportunities to shine while also embracing their individuality.

Looking Ahead to 2025

As I close the chapter on 2024, I am also getting goosebumps of excitement with what lies ahead. In 2025, I will be fulfilling a lifelong dream by taking an?AI for Executives course at MIT xPRO, an opportunity to expand my knowledge and I cannot wait to contribute to the future of technology.

I am also training to become a?domestic violence volunteer with Women Aware, a cause deeply personal to me.

As a survivor of domestic violence & abuse, this journey is about paying it forward and supporting others in their path to empowerment.

Above all, 2024 has been a year of?vulnerability, bravery, and authenticity. It deepened my relationships, fueled my work, and clarified my path.

As I step into 2025, I carry with me the lessons, love, and gratitude that 2024 has bestowed.

Here’s to another year filled with courage, connection, and purpose!

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