December 2025 – By Michelle Hedrich, Retired, Nonprofit Executive
The holiday season invites us to think about giving—beautifully wrapped boxes, meaningful gestures, and shared moments. But there’s a deeper kind of giving that often goes unrecognized: the gifts we offer that remain with us, even as we share them with others.
These are the gifts that come from within.
Your …
November 2025 – By Megan Shepherd, Chief Operating Officer, SimVentions, Inc.
One of my favorite events each year is the UMW Women’s Leadership Colloquium. Over the last six years of attending, I’ve found that this day is one of connection, resetting, and reflection. The event always seems to provide the topic and speakers that I need …
August 2025 – By Alex Dunn, PhD, Associate Professor of Management
You never know what’s gonna happen, you make your plans and you hear God laughin’ Life changes and I wouldn’t change it for the world – Thomas Rhett
In the heat of the New Jersey summer, with my best friend since grade school on one side …
July 2025 – By Kimberly Young
In a world full of distractions and demands, staying focused and calm can feel like a challenge. The good news? A few simple, science-backed habits can make a big difference in your daily mental clarity and performance. Here are some practical ways to start thinking more clearly—every day.
Breathe with Purpose …
May 2025 – By Beth L. Sinkler, Growth and Strategy Director, Maximus
TURN IT OFF! Like a leaking faucet my mind is in constant drip motion. Even in a state of meditation, I shift effortlessly within a micro second from concentrating on my breathing awareness, inhale (1, 2, 3) …. exhale (1, 2, 3) to – …
March 2025 – By Beth L. Sinkler, Growth and Strategy Director, Maximus
I am envisioning a bountiful harvest this season, claiming my joy in hopes of bringing it to fruition. What is it, you may ask? It’s gardening season! Though I am not typically a hand-in-the-earth, dirt-under-my-fingernails kind of gal, I am giddily excited. This season, …
September 2024 – by Veronica Curry, Associate Vice President of Human Resources, Germanna Community College
As summer’s heat fades and the air grows crisp, nature reminds us that change is an inevitable part of life. For many, this transformation of summer to fall can be a stark reminder of the personal transformations we experience. Embracing the …
August 2024 – By Rebecca Purdy, Deputy Director, Central Rappahannock Regional Library
I used to hate my Saturdays. They started with getting up early to beat the crowds at the Farmers’ Market and the grocery store, taking the dog for his longer weekend walk and then calling my parents. By the time all of this …
May 2024 – By Devin Fedor, Senior Director of Organizational Design and Effectiveness, Great Minds
Change has been taking up space in my mind lately. I find myself surrounded by change, personally and professionally, and I am often called on to help teams navigate change more effectively. Reactions to change can range from mild to extreme, …
by Beth Williams, Executive Director for Human Resources, University of Mary Washington “Hey, I know it’s super last minute, but …” Thus began a text I received one morning at work a few weeks ago. A friend of mine was extending an invitation to see a band from the 80’s – my high school days […]
