03/09/2025
For years, I operated as a community practitioner with my head buried in day-to-day work, disconnected from the broader network of professionals doing similar work globally. My networking strategy consisted primarily of waving to the same three people at local community events. This past year, I intentionally created time and space to expand my horizons by pursuing coursework, networking opportunities and joining International Economic Development Council’s inaugural cohort of practitioners committed to transforming our field.
This journey, while unpredictable, has significantly broadened my perspective on collaboration with peers, beyond upgrading from coffee to energy drinks during the same old conference settings. I’ve discovered the immense value in connecting with others who share similar professional goals while bringing diverse approaches and experiences. Turns out there are people solving the same problems I am, but with actual methodologies beyond my trusty “panic and improvise” technique.
These connections have fostered an environment of mutual learning and growth. I’m deeply grateful for this network of dedicated professionals who are reimagining “the work” in ways that are truly innovative, heart-centered, and unconstrained by traditional boundaries—pushing beyond conventional limitations to prevent history from repeating itself. Because if history taught us anything, it’s that economic development strategies from the 1980s look as outdated as the hairstyles from that era. 💇🏻♀️