We all come from somewhere to be something. What's your story?

Thinking and dreaming big is in my DNA: My Mother, Ann, was born in upstate Geneva, New York, and my birth father, Fred, was born in Kingston, Jamaica. I say birth father because they got divorced when I was young. They lived in New York City, and I was born in Harlem Hospital. I was raised in Geneva, NY, where Mom and I moved to be sheltered by the big, loving family that is pictured above. As a result, the Kenney family values of education, community service, integrity, and being a person of faith matter. I grew up with Cousins, Aunts, and Uncles, and my Mother's affirmation that no matter what, I would go to college and that I could be anything that I wanted to be, even the president. She raised me to dream and think big --and I do, with the family friendships and values to guide me.

I share all this so that what I say next will have some context, and you will understand where I am coming from and why people are so precious to me.

After college, I was hired by IBM and ultimately I was the President and Creative Director of one of the first woman-owned full-service advertising agencies. Then, I took a giant leap of faith and experienced and learned the joys of experiential education.

I discovered what was possible by acting from my vision rather than the baggage of my history. I went from being a student to being a global master trainer with new friends who are like family. That was me thinking big! Have you've taken a big risk to better yourself? If so, you know what I mean when I say it was like stepping into the unknown and being so glad I did!

“The cave you fear to enter holds the treasure you seek.” — Joseph Campbell.

Today, I am the president of Triad West, Inc., an international Transformational Leadership, Diversity, inclusion, and Belonging Specialist, and a Trainer, Consultant, and Coach hired by clients across the US and 12 countries. I am also the Founder of the Positively Powerful Education Summit and Woman Awards Conferences and Programs. Triad West has been in business for over 20 years; simultaneously, under the roof of Triad West, Positively Powerful, for 15 years.

My passion for solving "people problems" shows up in everything I do. I am a curious lifelong learner. I want to understand the problem, analyze why, and think of ways to solve it. I am compelled to make a difference. Sixteen years ago, I identified a significant challenge hindering women's success, well-being, and lives. Speaking before a group of women leaders, I asked, "How many of you give to yourselves the way you give to others?" Only one woman raised her hand, and I knew I had to and could do something about this as a training designer and facilitator.

We women don't give to themselves for many reasons, and we pay a price. I have been there and done them all. Fortunately, I took a program where I learned to take risks, pursue innovative ideas, and step into leadership roles. I learned the value of investing in myself and seeking and engaging in professional development opportunities that result in career advancement and skill acquisition. My risks have included going back to school and getting advanced degrees. I also volunteer because it feels good and makes a difference when I do. For this same reason, I am a philanthropist.

There were many times in my younger life when I wasn't confident in expressing my needs and boundaries, which led to misunderstandings and mental, physical, and emotional conflicts in personal relationships. I could share more, but hopefully, you get the point: Chronic neglect of self-care and self-love, the lack of joyful relationships, education, and limited access to role models can lead to long-term physical and mental health problems, further exacerbating the health disparities that plague women and marginalized groups. A conflicted state of mindsets can lead to burnout, stress, and health issues. And if this is familiar to you, you can end yours! I did! If it is in bygone years, congratulations! I applaud you and would love to hear your story.

We acknowledge the accomplishments of women in ways that empower all people to live their dreams and will change lives and businesses for the better.

The possibility of women treating themselves like queens and others treating them as the precious brilliant people that they are was the spark that fueled my engine to create the Positively Powerful Education Summit and Woman Awards Conferences. My Conference is an award-winning annual event, considered one of the best business events for women.

It is rich with proven transformational tips from my work and I don't produce it alone. In a dynamic and beautiful environment, Knowledge Experts in technology, branding, finance, being an author, and other areas of expertise will bring to life this year's theme, "Elevating Excellence, We Rise!". The 2024 Award Honorees selected as role models for their Corporate, Nonprofit, Visionary Innovation, and Community Leadership will inspire you, as will our acknowledgment of the 73 women leaders we've honored over the last 14 years. Be ready to connect with like-minded people on collaborative ideas that spring forth. That's the intention!

The 15th Annual Conference will be held on September 20 at the Showcase Room, The Yard, 149 S. Farmer Ave, Tempe, AZ 85281. This year's theme is "Elevating Excellence, We Rise!" Doors open at 8:00 a.m., the Conference ends at 2 p.m. Times are approximate, and the program is subject to change. Learn more here.

"A person is the product of their dreams. So make sure to dream great dreams. And then try to live your dream." -Maya Angelou

I am on a mission! At the September 20th Conference, I will be launching a new initiative to inspire and inform, to reach and teach 1,000 women participants over the next year. I aim to create a ripple effect where more empowered leaders inspire and uplift others. This mission is to acknowledge the accomplishments of women, the knowledge Experts, the Legacy Builders, the Aspirational Women with big dreams, and those who support them, in ways that empower all people to live their dreams and will change lives and businesses for the better.