It takes true courage to seek out understanding. In a time when so much seems to divide us, the need for true community has never been greater. Whether we agree or disagree, we should be able to come together, share ideas and have real conversations.

Community isn’t just about where we meet—it’s about the connections we build, the understanding we foster and the strength we gain from engaging with one another.

Last year was my first time attending ACCESSE, and it was a powerful reminder of why these moments matter. One experience, in particular, stood out to me. I reconnected with a colleague I hadn’t seen in years, and during a session, we participated in an exercise about the deeper meaning behind our names. That simple yet profound discussion helped understand my colleague a bit more. It was a moment of real connection and one that reminded me why engaging with each other is so important. As I look forward to ACCESSE25, it’s clear that these moments are more than just networking; they're opportunities to strengthen skills necessary to foster meaningful change in our world.

"Beyond that, ACCESSE provided a valuable space to exchange ideas, learn from peers who understand the unique challenges of association work, and gain fresh perspectives to bring back to my own organization. It wasn’t just about where we were—it was about what we created together."

For example, we all faced similar challenges, such as budget constraints, keeping up with technological advancements and ensuring constituent engagement and value recognition. But in that moment, our focus wasn’t on our individual obstacles. Instead, we came together as a community, thinking strategically about the future we could build.

This year, as a member of the program committee, I’m even more excited to be part of these conversations. It’s an opportunity to listen, to learn and to contribute to something bigger than ourselves. And with ACCESSE25's theme of Expanding Impact, we are focusing on how STEM society professionals the CESSE network to strengthen the important work of STEM societies and associations. If you’re unsure about attending, I encourage you to take the leap. Now, more than ever, we need spaces where we can come together—not to agree on everything, but to listen, to understand, and to move forward together.

Hope to see you there!