The journal
Field notes on storytelling, leadership, and being human at work.
20 essays and dispatches, moved over from the archive and still growing.
Life & Community · April 5, 2026
Punishment Doesn’t Teach What We Think It Does
The shop smelled like green soap and ink. It was hot; the kind of Oklahoma spring day where the AC can’t quite keep up. I’d driven out to Sand Springs to take some pictures for my book, Resonance, and ended up spending three hours watching a man sit perfectly still while an artist turned his […]
Advocacy · January 12, 2026
When Urgency Is Confused for Importance
Urgency is often treated as a virtue. In work culture, speed becomes a proxy for care, and reaction replaces reflection. But urgency is not neutral, and when it’s mistaken for importance, context, wisdom, and human limits are quietly pushed aside.
Books · October 3, 2025
The Day I Became Akiiki: What Uganda Taught Me About Resilience
One of the greatest honors of my life came when I was given an Empaako name: Akiiki, meaning “one who upholds national, community, and family interests with great love, care, kindness, and honesty.” That moment changed everything. I wasn’t an outsider documenting poverty—I was family, trusted with stories that deserved to be shared with reverence and love. Before Uganda, I thought resilience was a
Personal Growth · April 11, 2025
Becoming Is Messy: Reflections on Growth, Legacy, and Resilience
There’s something nobody really tells you about growth:It’s messy. It doesn’t arrive wrapped in clarity and confidence.It doesn’t announce itself with perfect timing.Most of the time, it sneaks in quietly, disguised as disruption, doubt, or an invitation that feels bigger than you think you can handle. Over the past few months, I’ve found myself standing […]
Books · March 26, 2025
Giving the Story Room to Breathe
Reflections on the new release date for Fields of Resilience When I first began writing Fields of Resilience, I had a vision—and a timeline. I marked April 2025 as the release date with conviction. It felt symbolic. Grounded. Achievable. It was also the first time I had ever tried to publish a coffee table book. […]
Agriculture · March 25, 2025
The Stories That Photos Can’t Tell
Some stories defy capture. They linger in the air, woven between the people who live them and the landscapes that hold their histories. They aren’t just about what you see—they’re about what you feel. As I continue writing Fields of Resilience, I find myself returning to this challenge. Chapter 3 focuses on Agri Planet Africa, […]
Leadership & Strategy · February 14, 2025
The Power of Stillness: Can Meditation Shape Communities and Reduce Crime?
I used to believe that change required action—big, loud, undeniable action. Sometimes, it still does. But what if the most profound change happens in stillness? I first questioned this while on a pilgrimage in Taiwan, surrounded by the quiet hum of monks in meditation. What if we could shift the world not just with what […]
Leadership & Strategy · February 5, 2025
Behind the Lens: Stories That Inspired Fields of Resilience
Behind the lens, photography has always been more than just capturing images for me—it’s about preserving emotions, telling untold stories, and uncovering the depth of human connection. Fields of Resilience was born from this perspective, a collection of moments that shaped my journey in Uganda and the lessons they left behind. Each image in this […]
Books · January 20, 2025
Resilience in Action: Lessons from Uganda’s Communities
Resilience is more than the ability to recover from hardship—it’s the strength to adapt, grow, and thrive in the face of challenges. During my time in Uganda, I witnessed resilience woven into the daily lives of individuals and communities. These moments of strength and perseverance deeply inspired my upcoming photo book, Fields of Resilience, and […]
Books · January 12, 2025
Introducing Fields of Resilience: A Dream Realized
I’ve loved writing for as long as I can remember. Stories—especially from different cultures and places—always fascinated me. Growing up, this passion wasn’t exactly nurtured, but it also wasn’t discouraged. Still, I held onto that curiosity and dream. In January 2023, I shared with my friend Hollie Stuart—an inspiring author and speaker—that she could expect […]
Advocacy · January 9, 2025
Communicating for Change: Using Strategic Communication to Drive Global Impact
As someone deeply committed to fostering change on a global scale, I’ve come to realize that communication is not just a tool but a catalyst for transformation. Strategic communication—the art of delivering the right message to the right audience at the right time—has the power to address some of the world’s most pressing challenges. Through […]
Books · August 18, 2023
From Field to Office: A PR Specialist’s Take on “The Checklist Manifesto”
Navigating through two decades in marketing, communications, Army PR, and NGO leadership has exposed me to unique challenges and complexities. Dr. Atul Gawande’s “The Checklist Manifesto” resonates deeply, shedding light on the need for simplicity and structure amidst chaos. Drawing parallels from military PR to medical procedures, this book illuminates how foundational tools, like a well-crafted
Life & Community · May 10, 2023
Breaking Barriers Through Unwavering Determination and Academic Accomplishment
Last night, as I completed my final graduate school class, the weight of my five-year journey settled upon me. With the closing of my laptop, I sensed both the end of an era and the dawn of new beginnings. Throughout this odyssey, I juggled three jobs, relied on my 11-year-old’s unwavering support, and navigated significant life changes, including a new job, a move, and teaching my teenager to dri
Wellbeing · April 13, 2023
Embracing Compassion and Healing Through Mahayana Buddhism and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy in the Face of Loss
The sudden death of a loved one can shake us to our core, leaving us feeling lost and overwhelmed. While grief is a universal human experience, the process of healing can take different forms for each individual. In this blog post, we explore the compassionate and reflective principles of Mahayana Buddhism and the practical techniques of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), as means to navigate the
Leadership & Strategy · March 31, 2023
Overcoming Imposter Syndrome: My Personal Journey to Success
I share my experiences with imposter syndrome, a challenging feeling of self-doubt, and fear of being exposed as a fraud. Learn how to recognize the signs, confront these feelings head-on, and make small daily changes to overcome this obstacle. Discover the importance of building a support system, focusing on achievements, and how facing challenges can help us become motivating forces for others.
Wellbeing · February 11, 2023
Navigating Racial Tension in Uncertain Times: A Guide to Well-Being
Racial tension is a prevalent issue in our society today, and it can leave us feeling afraid and heavy-hearted. We must understand the mind and question our beliefs to heal the heart. To promote racial awareness and well-being, we can engage in practices such as Doing No Harm, Meditation, Brahmavihara Practices, Forming Racial Affinity Groups, Self-Reflection and Education, and Taking Action. We c
Advocacy · February 2, 2023
Celebrating Black History Month: Inspiration, Ingenuity, and Passion
This Black History Month, let’s take a moment to appreciate the countless African American heroes whose commitment and courage have had an untold impact on our society. Remember their legacy of resilience in the face of adversity and use it as an inspiration to keep striving for justice—both past injustices as well as new ones. Let us honor them by bringing passion, dedication, and courage into ou
Personal Growth · January 29, 2023
Don’t Settle: Discovering the Meaning Behind Steve Jobs’ Quote
Steve Jobs left us with many valuable lessons, but one of his most meaningful words of wisdom is, “Your work is going to fill a large part of your life…If you haven’t found it yet, keep looking. Don’t settle.” Uncover the significance behind this message and uncover how to pursue greatness in life.
Personal Growth · January 4, 2023
Confronting Life’s Storms: Lessons from the American Bison
The American Bison is a symbol of strength and determination, and its behavior during storms can serve as a powerful reminder for us when facing challenges in our lives. Rather than running away or avoiding obstacles, we should take a cue from the bison and confront them head-on. This can help us to weather the storm more quickly and overcome adversity more efficiently. In addition to facing chall
Life & Community · December 28, 2022
The Power of Gratitude: How Practicing Appreciation Can Transform Your Life
In this blog post, we’ll explore the importance of gratitude and how it can transform our lives. Gratitude is the practice of feeling and expressing appreciation and thanks for the things we have in our lives. It’s a simple but powerful concept that can profoundly impact our well-being and happiness. Research has consistently shown that people who regularly express gratitude tend to be more optimi