With over 15 years of experience in the field of gerontology, I have managed senior living communities, launched and operated an eldercare consulting firm, and provided leadership of a home care agency. These opportunities provided experience in leadership, management, entrepreneurship, a customer service focus, and adaptability. When life got lifey along the way, I pivoted away from aging services to explore various Seattle-area companies through contract roles. Exposure to different industries such as banking, food production, and food services (Starbucks), reinforced my conviction in aligning my work with the values that are important to me. Shortly before the pandemic hit, I lost my older sister to suicide and, following a lay-off at Starbucks, took a full year to grieve, heal, prioritize self-care and determine the next steps. During my tenure at Campbell & Company, I was quickly promoted to Staffing and Administrative Manager, a new position with lots of ambiguity and learning opportunities. I led the administrative team and played a key role in an operational transformation initiative that included an overhaul and adoption of new technology. I also served on the firm's DEIA Council and founded an ERG for mental health called MindWell. In launching griefly, I am diving back into entrepreneurship to address the lack of resources and support available to those directly impacted by suicide. While suicide rates continue to climb, those left behind (suicide loss survivors) face stigma, isolation, and loneliness in their grief journey. griefly’s mission is to provide 1:1 curated connection for suicide loss survivors and (eventually) others grieving a variety of different losses.As I look to the future, my primary goals are to lead with empathy, shine a light on the stigma associated with grief and grieving, and offer ways in which those impacted by grief can continue living full lives in the presence of grief. It is not a problem to be solved or a thing to "get over" within a specific amount of time. If you have loved, you will grieve, and we need to be willing to have open, compassionate conversations about loss in our society.