05/01/2026
What a week it’s been.. one I won’t forget anytime soon.
We kicked things off at the State Capitol as part of our Leadership Academy retreat. We had the opportunity to meet with our state lobbyists and spend time learning more about the work happening behind the scenes to support our industry. Although the State Treasurer wasn’t able to attend due to weather, his Chief of Staff graciously met with us, shared his story, and spoke to the impact of their office. We also had the chance to meet with the Governor in his office, connect with state representatives, be introduced on the House floor, and even experience the whisper dome.
As if the day couldn’t get more memorable, we were caught in a tornado warning with a funnel forming right beside our bus!! Safe to say we were all incredibly grateful to make it to the hotel safely that evening.
Tuesday kicked off our first full day at the Spring Business Conference, and it did not disappoint. One of the most impactful moments was hearing from Daryl Davis. His message was powerful, unexpected, and deeply necessary. He shared five universal values he believes every person holds:
1. To be loved
2. To be respected
3. To be heard
4. To be treated fairly & truthfully
5. The same thing you want for your family
Hearing his personal story—how he’s built relationships that have led members of hate groups to leave those organizations—was something I’ll carry with me for a long time.
In between sessions I checked in back home to find our community had been hit by a significant and devastating hail storm. Seeing the damage so many experienced, was heartbreaking. My vehicle experienced a significant amount of damage as well as my roof and siding. I am incredibly grateful that my vehicle is still safe to drive, knowing that so many others weren’t as fortunate... If anyone needs recommendations for trusted roofers, handymen, or other service providers, please don’t hesitate to reach out!! I’m happy to share resources!
Wednesday brought more learning, great conversations, and valuable connections with so many talented professionals. I even got a rare free evening and was able to enjoy dinner with friends, which was the perfect reset in the middle of such a full week.
Thursday wrapped up with Board of Directors meetings before heading home. And in true fashion, I hit the ground running.. dropped Addie and Betty off and went straight to show a house without even stepping inside my own. I knew if I sat down, I might not get back up 😅
Once I finally made it home, we spent the evening with the family.. playing hockey, basketball, & soccer with Addie. That’s a lot of sports for a mama who has been on the go for four straight days!
All in all, this was one of the most inspiring and rewarding weeks of my career. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity, the people I met, and the perspective I gained. Feeling energized and excited for what’s ahead.
