Just Like the First Pancake

Beginning in my august role as the prosecutor in 5th grade mock trial during a field trip to our county courthouse, I have had the good fortune to find myself at hundreds of podiums.

Last week, in my role as Board Chair for PhilanthropyMiami, I had the responsibility and opportunity to face another microphone at another podium.

?A little background…

PhilanthropyMiami is a “learning organization.”?

Both in terms of the mission we execute via elevated learning experiences for nonprofit professionals, and in terms of how we must view our ever-evolving strategy, we are always teaching, always learning.

In that spirit, I began our September meeting by asking our board to consider what they want to learn in their journey as Directors.? After all, as a capacity building organization, we want to model our mission in every possible way. And, as a person and professional dedicated to lifting my teams, I want my fellow Directors to know that their learning is a priority to me.

I shared that I was focused on learning more about governmental relations.? Beginning this summer, I was immersed in strategy and tactics. Thank you to Orlando Gonzales for your wise counsel.

Then, last Thursday night, it was time to hit the mic and advocate for a renewal of our Miami-Dade County appropriation.

If I had been a cartoon character, you would have seen my heart thumping outside of my chest.? Even though I have made hundreds of presentations, I was sweating. My jacket felt too tight.? I felt like my binder was going to fall out of my hands.? I was actively doing breathing exercises, so I did not pass out and make an ass of myself in front of advocates from across the County.

It did not help that our new and first Executive Director, Fernanda Kuchkarian, and I had prepared two minutes of talking points and that the Chairman of the Board of County Commissioners started the meeting by sharing that each speaker would have 1 minute to speak.? Fabulous…

The meeting alternated between measured speakers addressing specific allocations and issues and passionate speakers seeking to inflame the audience and quite pointedly members of the Commission or the Mayor.?

It was a beautiful, democratic (note the small “d”) spectacle.? At a time when trust in institutions is at an all-time low, it was reassuring to see people raise their hand in favor of such a broad array of issues, which confirmed that our South Florida neighbors still believe in the ability and willingness of our elected officials to listen to them—and to help them access available resources.

Ultimately, when I got to the mic, the Chairman said, “young lady, move over please”.? I chuckled and was grateful for the “young.” Little did I know that as I stepped aside, we were all about to hear from the best speaker of the night.? She spoke passionately about her organization, The Historic Hampton House.? She reminded the assembled that Hampton House is a beacon where our kids can learn about Black History since the Florida Governor continues to interfere at the curriculum level.

After her timely and remarkable commentary, I got my time at the podium.? I shared, “that’s a tough act to follow”, covered as many of my talking points as the 60 seconds allowed, and returned to my seat without passing out.? Felt like a victory.?

As a student of “governmental relations,” I rate my first visit to a Miami-Dade County budget hearing on par with the first pancake on a Sunday morning.? Burned on one side and raw in the middle.? But, just like the pancakes that follow, my next visits to the Commission will be better.? I will get better at this.

Can’t wait, and, see you next year!