Last week, I had the pleasure of spending quality time with the MPMSDC team at our Staff Retreat in Colorado Springs. The retreat was uniquely themed as our facilitator centered us around the hurt, wound and displacement we all felt being persons of color displaced from our former roles in 2025.
The retreat was appropriately named, “Straightening Our Crowns“ and we did just that.
We spent time journaling, laughing, walking, talking, affirming and sharing at a level that brought us to a special bonding place as we begin to further normalize as a team. I feel fortunate to have identified an amazing facilitator, Dr. Gwendolyn Avington that understood the assignment and left us with invaluable tools for our personal and professional lives.
I am confident this retreat will allow us to better serve MBEs, corporate members and stakeholders as we filled our cups with selfcare and connection. We were gifted individual jeweled crowns, and we will continue to walk in their power, regalness, distinction and purpose.
Leaders wear many hats and carry multiple responsibilities, but by far the most impactful work we do is the PEOPLE work, the work that makes team members feel seen, heard and valued for their uniqueness and their dedication to mission driven work.
Stephanie Knight
CEO & President, MPMSDC
