I curate connection by intentionally creating spaces where relationships, trust, and shared purpose can grow. Volunteering has been one of the primary ways I do this, as it allows me to engage directly with communities while learning from their lived experiences. I enjoy meeting new people and building meaningful relationships across disciplines, sectors, and communities, recognizing that sustainable change is inherently collaborative.

My work involves collaboration with a wide range of stakeholders, including community members, youth leaders, healthcare professionals, researchers, policymakers, nonprofit organizations, and student groups. Whether through health advocacy initiatives, research projects, or leadership programs, I prioritize relationship-building as the foundation for effective collaboration. I view connection as relational and grounded in mutual respect, transparency, and shared accountability.

In my engagements, I work alongside others. I center voices by actively listening, co-creating solutions, and ensuring that those most impacted by inequities are involved in decision-making processes. I also strive to create culturally safe and inclusive spaces where individuals feel seen, valued, and empowered to contribute.

Balancing my individual passion with collective needs requires humility and reflexivity. I continuously reflect on my positionality and adapt my approach based on the needs and voices of those I work with. Through this approach, I aim to foster authentic connections that lead to shared learning, trust, and meaningful, community-driven impact.

Connection will play a central role in my future work because it has been foundational to both my nursing practice and my leadership journey. Through my clinical nursing experiences, I learned early on that trust and relationship-building are essential to effective care. Whether supporting patients during vulnerable moments or collaborating with interdisciplinary teams, I saw how meaningful connection directly influences outcomes, communication, and patient safety.

Relationship-building is essential to development work because meaningful and lasting change does not occur in isolation; it emerges through trust, collaboration, and shared understanding. Connection allows individuals and organizations to move beyond siloed efforts and toward collective action that is responsive to real community needs. My nursing background has shaped how I engage with communities. I prioritize active listening, shared decision-making, and respect for individual and collective expertise. These same principles guide how I collaborate with researchers, community leaders, and policymakers to co-create solutions rather than impose them.

Harnessing the power of connection requires intentional bridge-building between community voices and systems of influence. I believe the most impactful connections link lived experience with institutional decision-making, ensuring that policies and programs are responsive and sustainable. For me, connection transforms the relational skills developed through nursing into collective action. As I move forward, I am committed to cultivating relationships that center trust, amplify marginalized voices, and drive inclusive, lasting development.