"It takes a village."

Today I’m feeling deeply grateful for the women—and friends—who make up my village. Your support keeps me steady and striving to make a difference in ethical trade and sustainability.

Huge thanks to organizations like WomenVenture for championing women in business, and to the trailblazers who opened doors so we could have a voice and a seat at the table. This event was especially meaningful to me. Thank you Shannon Mattson Campbell and Hannah Storch for accommodating my last-minute registration.

Listening to #MarilynCarlsonNelson took me back to our conversation ten years ago, when she kindly invited me to the 2015 hashtag#HighLevelClimateDialogue at the Radisson. In just 30 minutes, she challenged and inspired me to make the most important decision of my life: to retire from my attorney and diplomatic career, start anew, and pursue my dream of becoming an entrepreneur.

That same day, I bought her book How We Lead Matters, read it again and again for guidance and strength—and ten years later, I’m proud to have launched four ventures dedicated to empowering farmers, entrepreneurs, and women business owners to lead with integrity.

Thank you, Marilyn, for being a role model to so many, including me. And thank you to Anne M. D'Angelo, PhD, ACC, and to the many amazing women and men I’m blessed to call my village—you know who you are—for believing in this mission.

#ItTakesAVillage hashtag#WomenInBusiness hashtag#EthicalTrade hashtag#Sustainability hashtag#Leadership hashtag#Community hashtag#Entrepreneurship hashtag#FairTrade hashtag#WeFairTradeAcademy hashtag#TradeCenterOfTheAmericas hashtag#EthicalSourcing hashtag#Gratitude

-s