The Future Is Here

I had an outstanding experience at the ASAE: The Center for Association Leadership Exchange event. Female executives did not just have a seat at the proverbial table, we filled up the ballroom at Omni Shore hotel in Washington DC!

Women have made progress over the years but we still have a long way to go. The most startling statistic that I saw today is that while there are 50% female employees in the workforce, there are only 6% female CEOs! That is disheartening and that datapoint has to change. Looking around the room, I was encouraged and I am convinced that if we all shine our lights at full beam, that number is going to change drastically. We are the ones we have been waiting for. The future is here!

It was a joy to meet amazing leaders such as Wendy T. , Candee Chambers, SPHR, SHRM-SCP, SR. CAAP , Tonya W. Muse, FASAE, CAE , and Michelle Mills Clement, FASAE, CAE, RCE . All through the day, there was a spotlight on the importance of mentoring and sponsorship. It is important to note that effective mentors and sponsors do not have to be women. There are enlightened men who understand the criticality of gender diversity and they can be counted on to be mentors and sponsors. I consider Kevin R. Keller, CAE and K. Dane Snowden to be my sponsors at CFP Board . They have given me incredible opportunities to grow professionally and they always encourage me to be the best version of myself. I have flourished under their leadership.

About this time last year, I unexpectedly fell ill and had to be on medical leave for a long time. When I was strong enough to return to work, I resumed with trepidation that I may not be able to catch up and keep up with the fast pace of our work. As I sat at my desk summoning up the courage to tackle a mountain of emails, my phone rang at exactly 9.05 a.m. The 1st phone call I received on that fateful Monday morning was from the CEO of CFP Board Kevin R. Keller, CAE ! He welcomed me back to work enthusiastically and expressed his concern for my health and well-being. That phone call meant everything to me at such a low point. I can never forget that! This is the first time I am sharing this story publicly and it is just one example of the tremendous support that I receive at CFP Board . Thank you Kevin R. Keller, CAE !!!

As I return to my duties tomorrow, I am even more committed to increase the level of my contribution to the mission of CFP Board and make a difference in the careers of other women. I want to be like the incredible female leaders that have paved the way for me over the years. Thank you Nancy Thomas Ahluwalia , Linda Waters , Kate Hill , Julia Leahy , Holly Saraullo , Elizabeth Maza Stewart , Cindy Zook , and Jenna Dorn . You have given me so much and I am committed to paying it forward.?The future is here!