Several years ago, I felt stuck. I couldn’t define what success looked like and lacked a sense of purpose related to the “big picture”--in fact, I’m not sure I could even wrap my head around how cosmically huge that picture was. Then I met Dr. Strouse and he introduced me to the mission driving GoodLife Innovations in the disability industry. And the more I learned, the more I cared. As a Native American woman, I understood how marginalized populations can benefit from voices of advocacy speaking from a place of privilege, and I realized that GoodLife had voices to amplify. Voices of the individuals served, their family members, their caregivers, our board members, and others who live a good life every day thanks to this organization: I got excited about sharing GoodLife’s stories. Innovation is in our name for a reason. The leadership team here has a long history of pursuing next-gen solutions, even when it wasn’t popular. Using the because-we’ve-always-done-it-that-way excuse never sat well with me. I’m a recovering perfectionist, after all, and (to quote Euphonia and the Flood, my favorite children’s book), “If something’s worth doing it’s worth doing well.” So my path aligned with GoodLife’s and thankfully my unique job history, personal experiences, and super powers were embraced here. Now, I am honored to be a part of the executive team and to be helping expand the reach of GoodLife’s national efforts.I guess I’m one of the lucky ones because I love my job. Here’s a little sneak peek at what gets me jazzed about work:AuthenticityCollaborationOpenness and generosityStory tellingExposing our work to the refiner’s fire (a process that’s uncomfortable—even painful—but produces pure ore)Cultivating strategic alliances among mutually strong playersVision castingConcise & consistent claritySparking magic & excitementArticulating the “how” (Ok, we know why we need to do it, but how do we do it? That’s where I come in.) Dreaming BIGGetting to the crux of the matterEarning respectShowing respectRemoving barriers without burning bridgesCuriosity OptimismDeadlines (don’t judge!)Empowering women (especially indigenous women) to be in their bliss and in their powerLet’s work together! Join me in a deep discussion over a cup of coffee, or in a brainstorming sesh at GoodLife’s U’s national headquarters, or in a friendly song around the campfire, or share your story while we sip something refreshing on the patio of your favorite eatery . . . Good work grows from authentic partnerships and I’d love to partner with you.