Caption: Rev. Clifford Ansgar Nelson, former senior pastor of Gloria Dei, pictured during a visit by Martin Luther King Jr. at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church on Jan. 4 1957 in St. Paul. An excerpt from the press about the speech: “The only distinction in God’s eyes,” [Dr.King] said, “is between justice and injustice.”
Credit: Kerem Yücel | MPR News

Once again, I struggled to write this first of the year blog. I’m getting used to the idea that the New Year starts with a heaviness.  Last year we had wildfires in Los Angeles. This year, Minneapolis is mourning Renee Nicole Good and her death at the hands of an ICE officer. Minnesotans are protesting ICE in their city and I saw a woman from Texas, supporting the protestors, say, “Whatever happens next, history books will say it started in Minneapolis.

Martin Luther King Day in Minneapolis

We celebrated Martin Luther King day yesterday.  The Reverand Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke in Minneapolis at least three times in 1951, 1961, and 1967.  During his 1951 visit his speech focused on the need to end white supremacy and dismantle the idea that some races are inferior, while emphasizing the evil things justified by people claiming to follow Christian teachings and the Bible.  His message resonates today in Minneapolis and beyond.

In Minneapolis there were a series of events commemorating Dr, King’s legacy and honoring the organizations and individuals who embody that legacy now.  In this clip, the founder of the legacy awards, Armetha Pihlstrom, talks about how she considered cancelling the event but that right now more than ever was a time to celebrate their work, because, “There’s always something.”  Indeed.

I am celebrating MLK day in communion with women leaders from around the world who want to grow women owned and led companies through community and peer learning. Which is to say that for me, business is happening pretty much as usual.

Acknowledging the Horrors

Since the beginning of last year the “hi, how are yous” at the start of each zoom or meeting are followed by  an allusion to the horrors before getting down to business. So I guess I’m opening the first message of 2026 with just that – an acknowledgment of the horrors of the times we are living through before getting to what I can contribute, what I can get done.

In the past year in particular, my work has been my biggest act of resistance. Like the woman from the Onion article baking a flag cake, it’s small but meaningful to me even when everything feels impossible.

The Year Ahead

With that in mind, I present what I’m looking forward to this year and the organizations I’m looking forward to making a difference with. I write this down not (only) to brag but to hold myself accountable and also promote the work of these organizations I’m proud to be affiliated with. This year I am:

  • Continuing to work with WACIF and their DC Small Business clients on their Certified Up Program as well as their Sustainable DC program with the Fehlig Group
  • Collaborating with The Fehlig Group to help more small businesses measure, track and showcase their environmental, social and governance goals as they become more sustainable businesses
  • A new season of my podcast, 12PointFive Minutes presented by CEI Media Group. Our promo is out now and we have seven episodes on Spotify. Check it out!
  • Expanding services to small diverse businesses owners through Mastermind my Company along with Certify My Company’s Heather Cox
  • Taking on a leadership role as a Regional Lead in the Southeast with Women Presidents Organization, while remaining the Chair of my Greater DC and Baltimore Chapters
    • And working with my long time mentor and friend Ellyn McKay of CEO Vision to achieve our goals
  • Working with my client to launch Action Path, which will create communities of practice for mid-level professionals to learn and grow their capabilities even as AI looms as their competitor
  • Attending my first ever B Corp Champions Retreat and putting together the We The Change mini-retreat the day before
  • Bringing more diverse small businesses into the fold of these organizations that are bringing business owners what they really need right now
  • Contributing to the WBENC Forum of Women’s Business Enterprise (WBE) Leaders as the Second Vice Chair of the Domestic Committee
  • Attending the WBENC National Conference in Salt Lake City in June where the theme is IMPACT in Action

And this is pretty much the first half of the year. It does make me hopeful just to write this all down and share it.

One thing I use my blog for is accountability so now you also have my to-do list.  In December, when I write up my impact report, we’ll see just how much we were able to accomplish – working together.