Legacy in Action: Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders – A Final Reflection

August 24, 2026

As I conclude my year as chairwoman of AICC, I want to reflect on what has been the greatest honor of my professional career. When I introduced my theme, Legacy in Action: Inspiring Tomorrow’s Leaders, it was built on four guiding pillars: Mentor Intentionally, Empower Risk-Taking, Champion Inclusion, and Model Purpose. Together, these principles have shaped not only this series of articles, but my perspective on leadership itself.

As the first Emerging Leader graduate to be elected chairwoman of AICC, I have had a unique perspective on what Legacy in Action truly looks like in practice. I would not be in this role today without the leaders who took the time to invest in me, challenge me, and believe in my potential long before I fully saw it in myself. That experience has shaped how I now view leadership—not as a position to hold, but as a responsibility to pass forward.

We began with Mentor Intentionally, recognizing that leadership is rooted in those who take the time to guide, listen, and invest in others. We then explored Empower Risk-Taking, understanding that growth and innovation happen only when people are trusted to step into uncertainty. We moved into Champion Inclusion, reinforcing that diverse voices and perspectives strengthen every decision and every outcome. Finally, we focused on Model Purpose, the idea that leadership is ultimately defined by the example we set every day and the values we consistently live.

None of this would have been possible without the people who have shaped my journey.

Thank you to my amazing family, my Royal family, and especially Kim Nelson, my greatest mentor. Thank you to the associates and all the members I have had the privilege to meet and work alongside during my 11 years with AICC. I am also deeply grateful to the board and my trusted advisors—Al Hoodwin, Joe Palmeri, Jeff Deitz, Gary Brewer, Joe Morelli, and Gene Marino—for their guidance, support, and friendship. A special thanks as well to my support team, who connected with me in my early days in Emerging Leaders, Julie Elgin and Tiffanie Armstrong, both strong women who continue to inspire me. Lastly, I want to thank my Leadership Advisory Group and Scott Ellis for the years of support. Somewhere along the way, our LAG meetings became part strategy session, part therapy session—and I’m grateful they showed up for both.

Serving as chairwoman has also given me a deeper appreciation for just how hard Mike D’Angelo and the entire AICC staff work every day to make this association what it is. We are truly fortunate to be part of such a committed and passionate community. My experiences with AICC Canada and AICC México, and the incredible people I have met across this journey, are memories I will cherish for a lifetime.

Thank you for allowing me the privilege of representing you.

As my time as chairwoman comes to an end, I want to celebrate and congratulate Mike Schaefer of Tavens Packaging & Display as he begins his role as AICC chairman. Mike, may your board meetings be productive, your flights be on time, and your inbox be merciful. Congratulations!

My final thought is this: When we lead with others in mind, inspiring tomorrow’s leaders stops being a moment. It becomes a movement—and one I am proud to have shared with all of you.