Executive Leadership and Change Program

On August 2, 2013, I was notified of my acceptance into the Executive Leadership and Change Program at Daemen College; I would join cohort XXIII to pursue my Master’s degree. I was both nervous and excited to be taking on this challenge nearly 35 years after receiving my bachelor’s degree.

I had always wanted to earn my Master’s degree, however work and family life had been my top priority. I worked hard throughout my life and was very successful in my career and raising two daughters. A few years ago, after I had become disenchanted with corporate life and my daughters had become independent, I was provided the opportunity to embrace a new kind of happiness; I moved to Buffalo, I made new friends, and I found work.

For the first time in my life I decided to do something completely out of character, I decided to trust happiness. I had spent most of my life making things work. Moving from one place to the next for my job and making long, mind-blowing commutes for my family. I look back on them all with a profound sense of joy, with immense pride, and with thankful respect that I am now in a vastly different place. Each challenge, helped to bring me here, to the place I belong.  Each transition helped me to recognize that sometimes we end up “exactly where we need to be.” So here I am in Buffalo, a delightful city that has incredible bones. I am working at a liberal arts college with great people, who enjoy coming to work. This seemed like an excellent time and opportunity to pursue my Master’s degree. The Executive Leadership and Change program was a perfect fit for my background, my desire to grow as a leader, and my goal to improve the programs I support at Daemen. After careful consideration, with invite in hand, I attended the first meeting of Cohort XXIII on August 14, 2013.

The path vs The Journey

It was the beginning of a wandering path to where I am today. Now, nearly two years later, my role at the college has changed dramatically and continues to evolve; I have faced immense challenge in my personal life. Those very challenges have become a source of inspiration and motivation. I have also recently been made aware of incredible opportunities for growth as a result of my learning in ELC; I am now willing to embrace change.

Celebrating graduation with my family, who have been my reason for always doing my best!