Reflecting Back, Looking Forward
2014 has been a year of tremendous change, challenge and collective progress across many dimensions in my life, and today I am especially full of gratitude for a growing circle of friends and colleagues. As part of my professional journey and choice to re-enter the “corporate” world and as part of my life’s plan to positively influence and help as many people in my lifetime as possible, this personal blog was transformed into BtheChange., in honor of one of my favorite quotes from Ghandi.
And what an honor it has been to highlight the philosophies and accomplishments of individuals and organizations who, in fact, are proving that we can all “Be the change in the world we wish to see.” Here are some highlights from this year’s posts:
- Living a Connected Life
- Channeling Greatness – Women In Communications Getting It Done!
- Attend Anywhere At The Alfred: Treating & Supporting Individuals with Cystic Fibrosis – Virtually Amazing!
- Companies, Cultures & Leaders I Admire: A New Series On Being The Change
- Companies, Cultures & Leaders I Admire: Hassina Sherjan and The Delicate Balance in Afghanistan
- Made with Love
- Leave Your Mark
- NYPD Awesome: Rebuilding Homes on Breezy Point With a View of The Freedom Tower
- Dr. Phillip Olla: Using Mobile Phones to Care for the Under Served
- We Are Family
- Companies, Cultures & Leaders I Admire: Judy Shapiro & Her Engaging Networks
- My Classmate Camelia; From Tehran to Manhattan, Our Magical Encounter
- Weaving Dreams and Creating Opportunities: Women in Van, Turkey Learn the Art of Creating Rugs, Crafting Pottery & Keeping Bees
- Why Be Good, When You Can Be Great? LIG: Being Good & Great – Summer of Service 2014 Dinner with Dr. Sadural
- From International Telecom Pioneer to Global Humanitarian, Bita Daryabari Connects Hearts & Minds
- Designing A Better World, One Non-Profit at a Time: My Friend Lauren Towle
- #StrongerThanFear- Empowering Girls’ Education Globally: Malala Yousafzai’s Mission
- From Africa to America With Love: Two Soul Sisters Stand Up For Children, Education & Better Lives for All
- The Emerging Ecosystem of Goodness
In closing out 2014 and preparing for an even more amazing 2015, I want to also thank the Board of Farhang Foundation, who were so gracious about my transition back into the corporate world, knowing that the five plus years I spent dedicated to helping Farhang get off the ground and become the finest non-profit organizations in the US dedicated to celebrating Iranian art and culture – were many of the best years of my life (so far!)
I want to thank the team at GENBAND – CEO David Walsh, CMO Brad Bush, COO Robin Wright – my colleagues and my hard-working and super positive team whom I call #TheDreamTeam. They have embraced the fullness of the life I have chosen to lead, enabling me to continue my work in the humanitarian world, while helping build value in a company that truly cares about its people, its customers and partners, and the world at large it serves with real time communications. They have enabled me to travel to far off lands, including some close to my original homeland Iran – I have been so warmly welcome in Istanbul, Tel Aviv, Paris, London… I have been able to work from Texas, from LA, and from New York City, where I spent time at the United Nations this Autumn, meeting and working with some of the most passionate humanitarian women in the world.
My very special gratitude to my long-time friend and colleague Cynthia Artin who always inspires me to be a better person and has connected me to so many amazing individuals, always reminding me of what truly matters in life.
I thank my friends for following me, and allowing me to follow and support them on their journeys…and finally I thank my family and most especially my husband Bruce, my step-son Blake who got married this year, expanding our closest-in world with his beautiful bride Mariellen and soon blessing us with a grandchild later this summer.
There is so much to be grateful for…and I know in my heart, 2015 will be a continuation of connections that are fundamental to delivering happiness far and wide. Happiness is in unlimited supply, but only when we spread it around.
Thanks for joining me in the New Year on this magic carpet ride!
