As I write this column in early November, I am rooted in the motto of Queen Kapiʻolani: Kūlia i ka nuʻu (Strive for the Summit). I’ve shared this motto with APALA members before, as it was the theme of my presidency from 2016-2017. I share it again now because the uncertainty and anxiety many of us are feeling reflects that time four years ago but with perhaps an even stronger push towards reaching that summit and achieving racial equity.
As your Executive Director, my focus now is on ensuring APALA is here for you all for the long haul to reach that summit of being part of a profession that is truly equitable, diverse, inclusive, and rooted in social justice. As our world rapidly changes and as we share our voices to work with our BIPOC brothers and sisters in our shared vision for a better future, our work in APALA and our communities is more important than ever.
One way to ensure APALA’s longevity is through our strategic plan. Over the next year, President Mack will lead us in an update and refresh of the five-year plan developed in 2016. As co-chair of the last update, I see the growth we’ve made as an association and a profession and am energized to continue the work forward. Our members are passionate, strong advocates, and it is an honor to be counted among you all and work alongside you all. Since the last strategic plan, our membership has grown. We came together at JCLC to embrace and encourage one another and celebrate our work. And we’ve expanded our programming beyond in person conferences at Midwinter and Annual. As we look towards the next five years of our association, I invite you all to share your voice with us. For the world we live in today Iʻm not sure we could have imagined in 2016 and we need to ensure APALAʻs goals and direction continues to be what we need it to be. This association is ours to grow and improve upon and I thank you all for your continued commitment to our shared values. I look forward to continuing to strive for the summit with you all in our communities and our profession.