We learn from each other. Building bridges of understanding to empowerment.
Each of us has a story and we can edit and change how our story ends. How? By Learning, sharing and empowering others.
My last blog was about the event. This is more a personal perspective on that experience. I was invited by Kristyn Ruggiero from Oath Inc. of Verizon Communications, to be part of a panel discussion, and ‘start the conversation’ about harassment, racism, bullying, discrimination, gender equality, empowering bystanders and victims to speak up. Something I lived for 20 years as a police officer with the RCMP.
The internet is a wonderful tool to find people, information and also to build relationships. During the next few weeks Kristyn and I emailed, texted and phoned each other, we became friends. She certainly was a guiding light helping navigate setting a date, completing forms, and where to donate speakers fee.
I will admit at first I felt this wave of ‘yikes’ do I belong with the two other panelists?’ Then the thought disappeared just as quickly. Yes I do!
Sometimes we doubt our own abilities. Anytime we try something new there can be fear and doubts.
Since retiring, encouraging people to speak up, helping others understand workplace harassment, mental health and empowering people has been a journey to empowerment. The idea is to believe that yes you can, believe in the power of your voice and to share the lessons learned so that others do not have to suffer.
It was indeed an honour to be invited and share the stage with the other panelists Joanne Lipman former Chief Editor of the Wall Street Journal and best-selling author (That’s What She Said -what men need to know and women need to tell them about working together), and Jesse Williams, actor, activist in New York City. The date set was Sept 11.
How to prepare?
A panel discussion is different than a speech. Sometimes you know the questions and sometimes you have no idea. Kristyn shared the topics and it was easy to think of examples for each question. Living with PTSD, I recognize the way I do things for presenting is my own process. We have to feel comfortable and confident (looks and feels different for each of us). Calling a fellow CAPS member, who speaks all over the world, for ideas – cue cards. Perfect! Thanks Deri.
I wrote out a few cue cards with key points as take aways for the audience and a few stories to share. A couple of days before my flight Kristyn sent along a few questions for the panel and some specifically related to my experiences. As the day approached I wanted the audience to learn some tools and strategies but also have fun.
Preparing for the flight and the beginning of the New York adventure was exciting, bags packed, passport ready for departure. Winnipeg to Toronto was quick. Fog kept us grounded for a few hours. That happens so why stress. Looking for the positive I went to the Air Canada Lounge. Landing in LaGuardia Airport was a bit nerve wracking. Nothing could be seen from above New York with the thick clouds, then suddenly, as we descended, the city of lights appeared just above the runway. Cool!
Everything went perfectly, the rides, the hotel (Hyatt Hotel Union Square)
The next morning I took the subway to the 911 memorial. I had set the alarm to have enough time to see the memorial and get back to the hotel, changed , focused and be ready for the Panel discussion.
New York is a huge city. Taking the subway the fastest and cheapest way to scurry under the city. I felt safe. As I exited the subway station and walked up the stairs I could feel the excitement twirling around in my stomach.
It was foggy. The air was thick with moisture, almost like gentle tears. For a moment I felt like I was intruding…..one of those folks who stare at a house fire, who gaulk and take selfies at crime scene.
Yet, there was a certain wow moment,….looking up at The One World Trade Tower, the top unable to be seen through the thick haze. It looked like the clouds were wrapped about the top of the building as if to protect it, to keep the building safe.
There were others who were equally mesmerized, Standing in the very spot where the two towers collapsed on September 11, 2001, I remember. We all remember where we were on that tragic day!
There was no personal connection, I didn’t know anybody. We did not have to be in the Towers or have family to suffer, to be traumatize!!
The world was in shock…. that has rippled into all fabrics of life to this day.
There’s something awe inspiring about the 9/11 memorial in New York, a tragic moment, a loss of innocence and yet out of the rubble the world witnessed great courage, unwavering hope and resilience of New Yorkers and the American spirit. Americans united in grief and also united in a willingness to help their neighbor regardless of their race, religion, and social status. This is something we need in the world today.
Parts of the memorial were blocked off to the public on Sept 11 for the 17th anniversary of honoring and reading of the names of those who died.
Taking the subway back to my hotel to get ready for the event, there was this feeling of unfinished business. I had to come back! I did…. the next day.
Back at the hotel primed and ready for the panel discussion I felt like a horse in a race anxious to meet everyone and share with the audience.
Sept 11, 2018
Meeting Kristyn was fantastic, finally a face to the emails and voice. Meeting the rest of the team was like having old friends, connected by like minds and passion for life. Empowered talented women who want to make the world a better place one conversation at a time. Our moderator was Twyla.
The green room was comfortable, fully stocked bar (I had water) and soon Joanne and Jesse arrived. It was indeed a pleasure to meet them both. Both kind and intelligent individuals. As a way of saying ‘thanks’ I gave each of them a book, WOMEN NOT WANTED. Joanne gave everyone in attendance a copy of her book, THAT’S WHAT SHE SAID – What men need to know and women need to tell them. A best seller!
After a group photo we were seated on stage with a live audience and live streaming to other employees.
As moderator, Twyla made us feel relaxed and asked excellent questions to start the conversation. We learn from each other.
Joanne and Jesse were awesome in sharing personal and professional stories and experiences. We made a great team adding comments to build on each others ideas. The audience looked engaged and entertained. It was fun.
After the event there was food and refreshments. A complete success! This was one of those moments that we all have in our lives, moments, people who become a powerful memory, a happy memory. If life gets tough, I like to take these moments out of my tool kit and feel happy. Everyone has their own challenges, keep the good stories, the successes in your life in your mental health tool kit and take them out when you are having a ‘bad day’.
I was an unexpected delight to be invited to dinner with the team.
Spending time with these ladies was an honour. Their genuine concern to create change is to be admired. If no one says anything then nothing changes. These women are a powerhouse for creative and positive change.
Perhaps there is another opportunity, in the future, to continue the conversation?
