Elevate Your Team

08/07/2026

Time & effort...

At the end of the day, that's the formula for friendship.

Yes, there are roadblocks. Life gets busy. Families grow. Careers change. We move. Seasons of life shift. I'm oversimplifying, but one thing remains true: meaningful friendships don't happen by accident. They require both people to invest the time and effort to stay connected.

Those connections are some of the greatest gifts we have. They bring joy, understanding, encouragement, and support as we navigate this crazy journey called life.

But it starts with us. We have to be willing to make the first call, send the first text, or simply check in to say, "Hi, I was thinking about you."

It may just be some of the most valuable time and effort you'll spend.

So, take a look at your contact list today. Who have you been meaning to reach out to? Make the call. Send the text. Write the email.

Friendship grows when we make the effort.

Sustaining friendships — and making new friends — can be challenging, even when we know it's important. So how can we make our friendships last without feeling overwhelmed? And is there a formula to follow for making new ones? To find out, data journalist Mona Chalabi turns to her most trusted s...

07/24/2026

A great event is coming! Be in the room and learn how we can chart the future 🥳

Big conversations start with the right people around the table.

We're bringing together an exceptional group of leaders who are helping shape the future of organizations through strategy, leadership, and people.

Who will be joining our Executive Leadership Panel?

You'll find out soon.

Over the coming weeks, we'll begin introducing the accomplished leaders who will share their perspectives at Chart the Future: Elevate HR's Strategic Impact, the inaugural EPSHRM Executive Leadership Conference.

Expect thoughtful conversations, real-world insights, and practical ideas that extend far beyond traditional HR.

📅 October 2, 2026
📍 Martinsburg, WV

Stay tuned… our panelist announcements begin soon.

07/23/2026

I had a wonderful morning this week hanging out with the Martinsburg-Berkeley County Chamber of Commerce 2026 Leadership Class! We explored the impact of employee engagement and the important role leaders play in creating workplaces where people can thrive.

Thank you for the opportunity to be part of your leadership journey. I can't wait to see how each of these incredible leaders continues to make a positive impact in our community!

07/07/2026

Hello... I Am a Procrastinator.

That's how I opened my final speech celebrating the completion of my Innovative Planning Path in Toastmasters.

This path took me six years to complete, but life during those years included starting a business, raising a family, and navigating constant change. Through it all, Toastmasters remained a place to practice leadership, communication, and personal growth.

If I could offer one piece of advice to a new Toastmaster—or anyone pursuing a long-term goal—it would be this:
• Be realistic.
• Don't overthink it.
• Ask for help—you are not alone on this journey.

Completing this path wasn't just about checking a box. It was a reminder that growth often happens while we're busy living life. The leadership experiences, volunteer opportunities, and relationships I built over the past several years were all part of the learning.

I'm grateful to everyone who encouraged me along the way, and I hope this milestone encourages someone else to keep going.

Now, on to the next Path—and one step closer to earning my DTM!

Come visit us Wild and Wonderful Toastmasters 😁

I just completed Level 5 of the Innovative Planning path as part of my educational journey with Toastmasters!

06/10/2026

I feel very fortunate to live in a community that supports families in so many ways. Last week was the first week kids were off school, but life is still busy! My little got to see some of the incredible things and people that make our community such a great place to live.

Jefferson County WV Chamber of Commerce Leadership Jefferson class partnered with Jefferson County Parks and Recreation Commission to raise funds to add trees and benches to the fishing pond at James Hite Park. I am on the Board for both of these organizations and am so proud of the work that this group accomplished!

We also attended an Eastern Panhandle SHRM Chapter where we talked real HR situations and shared ideas on how to approach them.

Thank you to everyone who engages with my little one in such a positive way, showing that true community starts by caring and engaging with each other!

05/27/2026

I forgot my phone over Memorial Weekend.

I realized it about 40 minutes from home – too far – we were not going back. So, I did what most of us do when something uncomfortable happens… I tried to convince myself it wasn’t a big deal.

I thought about it often, but each time I let the thought pass. Almost like meditation — except instead of clearing my mind, I was disconnecting from the constant tether.

I spent the weekend sitting around a fire table listening to rain fall while laughing with family. I watched my daughter and her cousin run through the house spreading laughter wherever they went. We cooked together, cleaned together, ate giant meals together, and spent hours around board games.

I already consider myself a present person. I would have participated in all those same moments if my phone had been with me.

But I also would have been partially somewhere else.
*Half-listening while checking notifications.
*Half-engaged while searching for answers.
*Half-resting while consuming more information.

The experience reminded me how dependent we have become on staying connected at all times. Not because we want to be distracted, but because distraction has quietly become the default.

The most important moments happen in conversations around a table, in shared laughter, in rainy weekends with family, and in the small memories children carry with them long after they grow up.

Sometimes we think we forget something important.

Sometimes the important things are already right in front of us.

05/19/2026

Really enjoyed spending time with leaders from across the state to discuss our foundational powers to advocate, participate, and protect our boards!

Thank you West Virginia Association of REALTORS!

05/15/2026

'You don't make an impact by standing on the sidelines. You make an impact by getting involved.'

An inspiring morning hearing from Dan Meers, the previous KC Chiefs mascot. Even got to see the mascot super bowl ring!

04/23/2026

I am still pumped about yesterday's Small Business Expo, hosted by Jefferson County WV Chamber of Commerce! As we networked around the room the feedback I kept hearing was how much value came from the connections, presentations, and conversations that took place that day. Looking forward to applying some lessons learned and starting to plan for the future!

04/16/2026

I have had the opportunity to teach a Tourism Leadership class at Blue Ridge CTC and am so proud of this project team!

These incredible young adults put together a pitch for a summer marketing campaign for River Riders and then presented to a packed room at the 2026 JCCVB Tourism Summit - Visit Jefferson County WV!

They brought so much energy, fun and adventure to the project and the chance to learn about the future of tourism in Jefferson County.