I recently had the opportunity to inspire a group of more that 60 women during a Diversity & Inclusion presentation at the 2018 Annual Conference for the Association of Junior Leagues International in Memphis, TN. They were challenged to unpack their bias and personal acceptance of culture.
Before I delve deeply into my experience on this presentation, I must first elevate my appreciation of Junior League. As a member of my local Junior League (Battle Creek, MI) for the last four years, I find it amazingly refreshing to be in the midst of a model that allows women to flourish based not solely on their title and accomplishments, but on the good faith of experiential development. This is the type of development that propels individuals because it leaves all assumptions off the table. It presumes that if an individual deems herself ready, capable, and confident then the rest of the group must uplift her in the inspiring quest to make something of herself. This comes in many forms through the Junior League; Chair, Vice Chair, presenter, or even President. Regardless of the role, the members of the Junior League have an unwavering belief that a woman creates her own path and sets her sails sturdily as a leader. Not to say that those sails are prompted for hoisting at times, but the concept of belief in a woman; the notion of capability and strength, that is the essence of Junior League.
In April 2018 I had the opportunity to set my second sail in Junior League as an official presenter for an Junior League conference. This was the third time I'd presented for a Junior League conference. The first two presentations were in panel format at statewide training's hosted by the Michigan State Council of Junior Leagues. The first was in regard to fundraising. The second in regard to grant writing and partnerships.
I was overwhelmed with excitement after I ended the phone call with JuWon; the Director of Education for AJLI. I had no idea what her reaction would be to the presentation outline I had sent her. Of course I could present on diversity and inclusion! I am the diversity in my League after all. The diversity in my job, my church, my school; come to think of it I sit in a lot of circles where I am the diversity. I know what it feels like to be excluded. To be thought of as less than acknowledge worthy. Over the course of my life I have grown passionate about helping others to feel differently. Passionate about helping people see the reality of how they treat others. JuWon had approved of the presentation outline and suggested a few changes to adhere to the time frame for presenting. I accepted her critiques happily and was thrilled to set on the course of finalizing the presentation prior to delivery.
It wasn't until a month after, when I received the reviews, that I realized my full potential. After a Toastmasters meeting I felt completely empowered to view myself as a communicator. I was no longer playing this role. It's who I am; who God intended me to be. The presentations, tours, orientations, workshops, and speeches had all prepared me for this moment in my life. The moment in my life where it was blaringly clear that God sent me to communicate to the nations. To speak.
When I stepped into the ballroom of the Peabody Hotel a wave of delight flooded me. This is where I belonged. This is where I was meant to be.
A few nervous paces began to calm me as I checked the audio visual equipment for setup. I found myself distracted by the ornate that lined the ceiling boarders of the grand ballroom walls.