October was extra special for me this year as many of us were together during our incredible Annual Conference in Washington, D.C.! Our journey to inclusion continued as we were able to attend informative learning sessions, hear from our distinguished panel exploring the importance of having an inclusive culture, and receive Byron Pitts’s inspirational message.

Many thanks to all who created such a wonderful conference experience. Special thanks to Stephanie and the ASHHRA staff, Barry Lindeman, the Annual Conference Committee, and Lee Byrd and Tony Shivery, co-chairs of the Host Committee. Additional thanks go to our sponsors and exhibitors who provide such valuable support.

Please take a moment to share your feedback regarding the conference by participating in our brief survey here. Your input and suggestions will be extremely valuable as Maureen O’Keefe and her team plan the 2014 Conference. We will be celebrating our 50th anniversary in Chicago, Honoring Our Past, Preparing for Our Future.

We were excited to kick off the Care for the Cause campaign in Washington, D.C. Care for the Cause is a way ASHHRA members can take advocacy to the next level by raising our voices to be heard by our elected officials. Please join me in making a donation to Care for the Cause here. During these uncertain times, it is so important to support the cause.

Reflecting on our days together in Washington, D.C., I am energized by what I learned, in particular, by networking with many of you and building new relationships. As we move forward, I encourage you to nurture the relationships you cultivated in Washington, D.C., and remember Byron Pitts’s challenge for all of us to Step Out on Nothing to make a difference in someone’s life.

Many thanks to all of you for continuing to join me on our journey to the possibility for inclusion for all.

ASHHRA President 2013