An Amazing Year: 2018-19 President Jennie Udell

I had the pleasure of meeting Rod Abraham, pictured with me here, at the 2019 President’s Dinner at WEC. Rod is a founding member of our chapter. He had lots of stories to tell and memories to share about MPI PHL’s early years. In a world where we are pointedly focused on moving forward, my conversations with Rod were a wonderful reminder to look back.

Yes, we are here to continuously improve and foster positive change, however, taking a few moments to truly appreciate how far we’ve come and recognize those who helped us reach this point is important. 

I’ve had the honor of serving on this board of directors for five years now and have been a chapter member since 2005. Looking back, I got involved as a volunteer because I wasn’t happy with our education programs. I was looking for something more out of the box, if you will. Katelyn Weeks challenged our committee to do just that. 

When I joined the board in 2014 excellence in education was a priority (thank you Cameron Wicks for the nomination!). While we held on to the basics, we changed it up with sessions on topics like mindfulness and sustainability. 

Since then, we have continued to prioritize excellence in education, and I am proud of how far we have come. This year we were able to dig into some of those tough-to-talk-about topics, like diversity and inclusion. Topics that are at the forefront of our minds, but we don’t know how to discuss them, or what steps to take to start effecting change. I’m so excited that Katie Schultz, our incoming President, will be tackling these topics as well!

The people who have taught me, mentored me, believed in me, and gave me the courage to step up and develop my leadership, are countless. They are how I went from providing feedback about an education session I disliked in 2013, to serving as your President this past year. They are fellow chapter members, board members and volunteers, chapter administrators, facilitators, and global MPI staff. They are the village I had the privilege of joining that day I began volunteering. 

Thank you, not just for this amazing year, but for all of those years back to when Rod helped form our chapter. It has been an honor to serve as your President. 
I look forward to what we make of our future, and to looking back every so often.

Have a wonderful summer!

Jennie Udell
MPI PHL President 2018-2019