August is an internally busy month for LAA. While our external calendar is quiet and alumni and the community at large soak up the last weeks of summer, internally we are busy with preparations to welcome the Flagship 2021 class with their Opening Retreat on September 9th at London Town. Days are chock full of planning meetings and logistic preparations.

Parallel to the flurry of preparation activities, I continue my personal commitment to reflect inward on my understanding of my part in racial inequity. Months into my personal exploration I don’t have answers, but I have a greater desire for understanding.

In Austin Channing Brown’s book, I'm Still Here: Black Dignity in a World Made for Whiteness she said: "Our only chance at dismantling racial injustice is being more curious about its origins than we are worried about our comfort."

During Anne Arundel Community College’s Virtual Event with Robin DiAngelo, Ph.D. - Author of "White Fragility", Dr. DiAngelo called for white people to be "a little more humble and curious."

The more I read and understand about race inequity and my own whiteness, the more I am called to humility and curiosity. The journey continues.

Reflecting on a summer of challenge and unrest, I lean into curiosity and humility to better understand how Leadership Anne Arundel can best serve to inspire, develop and connect our local leaders in these extraordinary times.

Looking forward to the incoming Flagship class, I am deeply curious about more than 35 individuals who have chosen this moment in time for their Flagship experience and I am humbled by their commitment to positively impacting their community.

I am curious about the creative and innovative ways session planning committees will overcome COVID limitations and I am humbled by the passion and commitment of the planning teams to deliver extraordinary experiences for the incoming class.

LAA is built to dig into the challenging topics ahead. Our leadership, alumni and program of work provide ongoing opportunities to come together virtually as needed and in person when possible to tackle tough conversations and emerging opportunities.

Don’t let the external quiet fool you – a whole new season of insight and connections is just around the bend.