2014 Whirl Wind

Here it is 2015 and I am catching up on my events and thoughts from the past year.

     I started 2014 with a new job as a Nurse Practitioner in the Primary Care Department at the Veterans Administration Hospital in New Mexico.  What an amazing opportunity. To be a veteran and serve veterans is unique. Having insights and a shared experience and language is such a positive way to help make an impact on patients.  I have to admit I was probably a funny site: tall, pregnant, woman veteran (OIF & OEF) on a mission to improve the health of my fellow veterans. However, I jumped in and learned a lot.  Not only about the VA system as a medical provider, but also how to help my fellow veterans navigate the “system” to get great health care.

     In addition to starting a new job I completed my training in the Emerge program. Emerge is an organization that promotes diversity in politics by developing support for Democratic Women. It works by identifying, training and encouraging women to run for office, getting elected and seeking higher office. The training is a cohort-based seven-month training program. I met so many amazing, and talented women leaders. It was great to share the perspective of being a women, veteran and nurse practitioner with other leaders in our community.  Now that I am done with training I am developing a plan for what I need to do to run for office.   We need more nurses and Nurse Practitioners in leadership roles in our community and that includes political positions that influence and build our community.

     2014 was also the 25^th Anniversary for CLNkids(also known as Cuidando Los Ninos).  Our 25^th Anniversary Celebration was amazing. With the help from generous donors and Alpha Bravo Events  we were able to not only ensure that all tickets and proceeds went to CLNKids but we raised $16000. Even more exciting, that increased visibility in the community made our Christmas Fundraiser a huge success and we raised $58,000.  It has been a busy year. As Board President not only do I manage the executive committee, but I attend the finance committee (to maintain our budget and ensure fiscal responsibility), the advocacy committee, and anniversary planning committee.  I am not sure where I found the time, but I think the success was due to our event planner, amazing staff and our board members.  I love working with motivated, dedicated and engaging individuals. It makes everything easier.

     With all those activities I am not sure we could have added anything else in my life. However, life happens and now I can add being a mom to my list.  Our daughter was born in June and my life has been changed in so many ways. I changed everything to be more efficient with my time and be able to spend as much time as possible with her.  Mountain Man has also shown me his “dad” side. He really is an amazing man in so many ways.  It is often the little things I notice when I get home that just make me smile. The other morning after I fed baby girl and was headed off to work he said “I have noticed she likes to wear a sweater in the morning” right before dressing her . Or the other day when I came home to find him vacuuming the floor with baby sitting in the REI Baby Backpack on his shoulders laughing and giggling as he cleaned our home. I love being a mom and still being able to support my community. And now I get teach this to my daughter and hopefully show her the values I have through my own actions.  

2015 is the year of the mom-veteran-nurse practitioner for me. I hope everyone remembers that in everything you do you are always more than just a nurse or a mom or a friend. You are all of those things and more.

Moving Forward

Sunday, March 2, 2014

6:40 PM

The New Year has brought with it gained perspective.  Last year was a whirl wind of actives. Helping AWV , getting married, becoming President of the Board of Directors for CuidandoLos Niños, traveling to Ecuador and last but definitely not least learning about a new addition to our family.

All of these events have taught me a few things. First is love and be loved. I have always looked up to my friends who are married and who seem to still have that special love even after several years. My goal is to maintain that love with my Mountain Man. This year as we add our first addition to our family, I will make sure our priority is growing and loving together.

The second lesson  involves how we view the world.  I have been fortunate to have the opportunity to travel the world. Each place I visit brings with it beauty and respect for other cultures. Ecuador was no different.  I loved the hill-side homes, splendid views, parks, waterfalls and markets selling various treasures.  I cherished the fact that I could travel with my husband and that he too has that adventurous spirit. While it was wonderful to have this opportunity to explore this year, at the end of the day, the most beautiful sight in the world is the sunset I see every day in New Mexico.

The next lesson is one in responsibility and leadership. One thing I know about myself is I tend to keep a full plate. At times I take on more responsibility than I should.  And sometimes individuals take advantage of my time.  What I learned was if you have an opportunity for growth and a mentor helps by encouraging and fostering that growth  you will not feel as though your time is being taken advantage of. Luckily for me when I accepted the responsibility of Board President I had the support of not only the outgoing President but also our Executive Director. Both are amazing women who inspire and keep me motivated.

Moving on into this new year I have decided to work towards some personal goals. I have always preferred a life of service and ultimately I think a goal of serving my community as a leader is the next step. I was selected for the Emerge Program here in New Mexico  for the 2014 class.  I can't wait to learn and be inspired by other like-minded leaders in my community. And always remember we are all more than Just a Nurse.

To all those who inspire me: thank you from my soul.

Board Membership

Three years ago, I yearned to be involved with an organization that helped homeless children. After attending a local non-profit fundraising event I was approached by a friend involved with the program at Cuidando Los Ninos (CLNKids).  She asked if I had ever considered being a board member at a non-profit. Her invitation initiated some questions, including: what was involved, what time requirements were needed, and most of all, was it something I would be interested in?

With those questions in mind, I was clued into the roles and responsibilities of board membership during an informal interview disguised as a discussion. As we talked, I learned that board members work towards the mission of the non-profit and focus on tasks to keep the non-profit running smoothly. They usually establish fundraising goals and work to communicate the mission of the non-profit while using networking connections within the community to help the non-profit flourish.

So what makes someone a good board member? The basic tenant is to have a true commitment to the non-profit you are considering. Being involved with an organization whose mission is allied with your own beliefs and inspires you should be a priority. Additionally, are you willing to roll up your sleeves and do some work? Think quality over quantity. My friend did not specify devoting 40 hours a week, but instead mentioned smaller chunks of time: ten minutes typing a letter, an hour conversing with a sponsor, an evening attending an event and advocating for your non-profit.  All of these actions would benefit the non-profit in various ways, yet would require little amounts of time.

That initial discussion led to a formal invitation, and I decided to become a board member for CLNKids. It has brought amazing gifts into my life. CLNkids is a non-profit dedicated to end childhood homelessness for children aged 5 weeks to 5 years and their families. It inspires me daily to be active within my community.  Some of my board member events have included Christmas events where families and children who normally would not have a Christmas would have an opportunity to celebrate. I have also had an opportunity to speak at a national level about homelessness and its far-reaching effects.  I have helped families off the streets and into sustainable housing. With that effort, greater responsibility and opportunities have been presented to me.  After gaining experience and learning various board roles and responsibilities I am now the Board President. Together with the board, I created a strategic plan, and have helped to revise the board membership recruiting process, roles, and responsibilities in order to connect with the kind of leaders that CLNKids needs to be continue to be effective.  We strive to build key partnerships within the community.

At the end of the day, joining a board and being an active participant is an amazing life changer. I would recommend it to anyone who wants to take one more step to being involved in their community.  So seize the opportunity!  Reach out to your favorite non-profit or ask a friend. Be the positive change within your community today.

I hope everyone has an inspiring 2014! ~m

Reflection

Sometimes life is about reflection, and that reflection helps us grow.

The other day someone asked a question that has been asked of me several times over the past few months. The question goes something like,

“Aren’t you excited? You’re getting married!”

The expected response is some elated giggle to cross my lips and for glee to spew forth. But the truth is I’m not excited; I’m happy.

I’m happy, and for my friends, I think they understand. Marrying Mountain Man isn’t about the excitement of one day that is the synthesis of 8 months of planning. Don't get me wrong, I am looking forward to my wedding day, but more importantly, I am looking forward to spending time with friends and family while standing next to a man who makes me genuinely happy deep into my soul.

Happiness: it is something that many have all the time. In fact, the feeling is never lost on them. And while I have been happy at various times in my life mostly I have been wandering from country to country, moment to moment, from deployment to deployment, career to career. Sometimes searching, sometimes not, sometimes pondering, and at other times lost. All the while knowing, that I have met great people who have been in my life, their touch molding me and setting me on my path to continue wandering, happiness wasn't always in the mix.

I'm now happy on a level I never thought I would experience. Mountain man doesn’t “make me” happy. I have had to find my own inner happiness. However, being with him is that other piece, that last stretch that pushes you to the top of the hill you have worked hard to climb. He is simply him, but to me he is amazing. I never knew you could love someone so simply yet so strongly. And yet, here I am in love and happy. I am deeply, passionately, patiently, fervently, sweetly and un-regrettably happy.

I don’t think I can stop wandering, even though I have set some roots back down in the Land of Enchantment. And those years leading up to this moment in time have taught me that all who wander are not lost after all. So for now, I will continue wandering. Yet this time, I will wander hand in hand with Mountain Man.

Policy and Politics for this Nurse Practitioner

I had an “ah-ha” moment today, here are my thoughts:

I served in the United States Army,  completing tours in Iraq and Afghanistan.

I currently serve my community in various ways, to include Cuidando Los Ninos (CLNKids.org) and American Women Veterans (http://americanwomenveterans.org).  Both are two organizations that I love on a soul level.

I think it is time to serve on another level, to have the positive impact on my community and the nation I am proud to be a citizen of.

That being said I have decided that for my birthday instead of spending money on material objects or things that won’t make me happy, I signed up to take a short 2 day course called “Ready to Run”.  I am not ready to put up signs declaring my candidacy just yet.  But, I have decided to ask for more mentorship from my friends and take an active role in my education of policy and politics.

I know I should outline my own political views but really I am still confused as to what I subscribe to exactly. I don’t think I belong to a specific party. I vote for issues and policies that help the community help themselves and grow. I don’t agree in handouts, but agree that those willing to put effort and work into life should be encouraged and helped.  My hope is that my friends understand and support me in this new journey. (P.S. we are all more than just anything, we are who we are).

Here is more information about the course I am taking: http://shri.unm.edu/readytorun.html

Research shows that women make government more transparent, inclusive and accessible, but too few women serve. In 2012, only 17% of US Congress was female, and women held only 27.7% of state legislative seats in New Mexico.

Ready to Run NM seeks to address the underrepresentation of women in public office in the state. A training program will be held in April 2013 over one-and –a-half days. Through an innovative curriculum that incorporates the political culture of the state, the program will present state and local campaign experts to highlight the specifics of running for public office. The program seeks to demystify the process of running for elected office, encourage more women to mount campaigns, and introduce them to elected and appointed leaders, campaign consultants, and party officials in the state to whom they can turn as they get ready to run.

Ready to Run™ program attendees walk away with...

“How to” instructions on running for office

Fundraising and media skills

Real-world advice and best practices from experts

Strategies for positioning yourself for public leadership

Inspiration to launch a campaign

A better understanding of party politics

Internet strategies for political campaigns

You can make a difference. Attend the Ready to Run New Mexico conference on April 12 and 13, 2013.

Please see details below.

Friday, April 12, 2013

2:00 PM to 4:00 PM - "Miss Representation, " a documentary by Jennifer Siebel Newsom that premiered at the 2011 Sundance Film Festival and aired on OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, will be shown at the Student Union Building, Luminaria Room. The film explores how the media's misrepresentation of women has led to the under representation of women in positions of power and influence. The film is sponsored by Political Science Graduate Student Association (GSA).

5:00 PM - Registration opens at the MCM Elegante Hotel, Atrium Room

6:00 PM - Keynote Address and Welcome Dinner.

Former Congresswoman Heather Wilson will deliver the Keynote Address.

Saturday, April 13, 2013

Speakers include: State Senator Lisa Torraco; State Representative Jane Powdrell-Culbert; State Representative Georgene Louis; Mary Herrera, Former Secretary of State and many more.

Santa Ana A&B Conference Rooms, Student Union Building, UNM Main Campus

8:00 – 8:30 AM             Registration and Breakfast

8:30 - 9:45 AM             Morning Plenary:

Welcome: Dr. Christine Sierra, Director, Southwest Hispanic Research Institute & Professor of Political Science, UNM

9:45 - 10:00 AM           Break

10:00 – 11:30 AM         Breakout Session 1

Track 1 – (I’m ready) – Panel:

Launching Your Campaign

This session provides an overview of the key elements of a campaign; including assessing and establishing oneself as a candidate, developing a campaign plan, structuring a campaign organization, fundraising, Internet strategies and voter contact.

Track 2 – (I’m not ready yet) – Panel:

Introduction to New Mexico Politics and Public Life

This session, designed for those who are not ready to run, offers an overview of public life, leveraging community leadership for political leadership, types of offices to consider, and balancing competing priorities of a political career and family life.

11:30 – 11:45 PM          Break

11:45 – 2:15 PM           Luncheon Plenary

2:15 – 2:30 PM             Break

2:30 – 4:00 PM             Breakout Session 2

Track 1 – (I’m ready) – Panel:

Delivering Your Message: Platforms, Interviews and Public Relations

This session will provide a more in-depth look at how to clearly deliver your message and your political platform. You will learn both how to formulate your message and how to deliver it effectively to voters.

Track 2 – (I’m not ready yet) – Panel:

Navigating New Mexico Networks: Parties and Organizations

This session will highlight the power dynamics of party organizations, building relationships within parties and interest groups, and gaining party support. Here you will meet with party and interest group representatives and will be given a chance to network with political leaders in New Mexico.

4:15 – 5:30 PM           Closing Plenary: Strategies for Success

Why Judge My Book By My Cover

Here is a link to my blog at the White House  http://www.whitehouse.gov/champions/blog?page=1

 You can also read it below. It was an amazing experience. I will blog soon about the other Award winners and amazing Women Veterans I met last week.

I was a U.S. Army Nurse Corps officer and trauma nurse. I loved and valued the times I was able to care for seriously wounded soldiers, and remember vividly the lives my team and I saved in Afghanistan. I also conducted presence patrols in and around the city of Ghazni, Afghanistan. Situated on a plateau in the central region of Afghanistan, Ghazni has a population of about 140,000 people and a long history of military invasions.

On one patrol, I was the figure of intrigue. A small tribe of local school girls approached me and giggled as I patrolled the area. Their eyes ranged in color from deep blue to light green and seemed large, hidden behind their head scarfs. They were fascinated by my appearance. I was female. My brown hair was tucked and braided under my kevlar helmet. I wore boots and had two weapons. Although I was able to smile at them briefly, I knew that my job was to help my fellow soldiers and scan for potential threats while patrolling the province.

With the interpreter at my side, the girls followed us for hours asking questions such as what my patch meant, had I gone to school, for how long, was I married, did I have children? I was probably an odd spectacle in their life. Yet I hoped with every answer I gave, that they too would be encouraged to go to college, become women leaders, and maybe even be nurses.

When I left the Army and transitioned to my new life as a veteran, I took those experiences and promised myself that I would continue to pursue my personal tradition of service in my community. I became a board member, then vice chair, of Cuidando los Ninos (CLNKids.org). CLNkids is a non-profit dedicated to address the needs of homeless families and ending childhood homelessness in Albuquerque, New Mexico. I work with legislators and local community members to educate them on homelessness and its far reaching effects in the community to include health and educational disparities, the rise of violence and PTSD, and how to work together as a community to end homelessness.

In addition, I am currently the vice executive director of the national organization American Women Veterans. The core mission of American Women Veterans is advocacy on behalf of military women, veterans and their families. Through speaking engagements and interviews with various groups, I explain the role of military women, as well as advocating for veteran issues such as PTSD and women in combat on a national and state level.

I enjoy the mentorship that comes with working with this organization. Through this advocacy work, I am able to connect with other service women, including amazing women like Genevieve Chase, our executive director. Genevieve is full of thoughtful ideas, challenges, and goals, such as how to build our board of directors or how to become more involved with advocacy at various leadership conferences around the nation. These suggestions sometimes overwhelm me and at other times inspire me to accomplish more, such as when I helped with the New York City Veterans Day parade.

In November of 2012, I helped coordinate American Women Veterans participation in the New York City Veterans Day parade. I gathered over twenty women veterans from various cities across the country. Throughout the day we marched, passed out fliers, stickers, and mementos, and were greeted along the streets of New York by other women veterans lost in the crowd of smiling faces, searching for a glimpse of recognition that they too served in the military side-by-side with our brothers at arms.

Often women veterans go unrecognized in the general public. While male veterans often wear hats proclaiming their service, women have no badge or insignia to signify their service, but instead work to find a balance between career and home life, while finding a new identity as a veteran and civilian. At times their transition can be lonely.

Most women are not recognized as serving in the military, let alone serving in combat. This can also cause delays in treatment when going to the Veterans Administration. I once experienced the frustration of overhearing an older male at the VA hospital while waiting for a dental exam. He said, “look at this young girl, probably here for her free teeth cleaning after doing her four years.” I was angry initially: who was this man to judge me? I am a veteran just like him, having served in multiple deployments. Why judge my book by my cover?

During the Veterans Day Parade, I was able to chat with Vickie, a fellow American Women Veterans member and United States Navy Veteran. Vickie is very involved in her community and is one of the first women I ever met at American Women Veterans. Whenever I see her, she calls me “little one,” like an older sister would. She continues to volunteer in and around NYC and at the VA in Bay Bridge. She works in counseling and understands, as I do, the challenges women veterans encounter. She wears a US NAVY ball cap to events we attend together and I can tell that, in her own way, she tells the world “I am a veteran.” She continues to remind me why I work so hard to advocate for change.

If Genevieve, Vickie, and I do not speak out for women veterans, I sometimes wonder who will. They, as well as other mentors in my life, serve as my personal motivation to keep working and striving, and to be that voice and advocate for change. All in a day’s work for this veteran.

White House

Leaving Sunday for my trip :)

I'm so excited! I will post everything on the 19th. Remember, it's women's History Month. Here is a good website to check out:http://womenshistorymonth.gov/

Many mentors inspire me. Who inspires you?