Whew! It’s been a while. Where have we been? What have we been up to? Why did the site go dark?
Where have we been: On a personal note, last October, our family lost our cousin, Candace. Less than a month later, my dad passed away. It became important to take time and make room for grief. Don’t get me wrong – there has also been a lot of joy: This spring I was privileged to celebrate two weddings, my son’s 10th birthday, and two nieces who both got their high school diploma and their associates degree AT THE SAME TIME. I’m also thrilled to announce that I rejoined the homeowners club in May.
We’ve also had some organizational changes. We’ve had three of our original board members transition to emeritus. Vice President Emeritus, Dr. Simone Sorteberg is now a tenured professor of education at Grand View University in Des Moines. Simone also directs Grandview’s Center For Excellence In Teaching & Learning. I can’t imagine a better person to teach and mentor tomorrow’s educators. Co-treasurer Emeritus Tarrita Spicer continues her journey as an entrepeneur and inspiration for Black women in Des Moines. Earlier this year, Tarrita completed the Drake University-Evelyn Davis Small Business Accelerator Program, and competed in Athene’s Black and Brown Business Summit Pitch Competition. Arnold Woods III, our other Co-Treasurer Emeritus continues his work as the Director for Multicultural Student Success at Iowa State University, as well as leading the Coalition of Black Male Students.
Stay tuned for announcements about our new board members and plans for the remainder of 2023.
