A cornerstone of good entrepreneurial leadership is the ability to see opportunity and the courage to act on it. For the past few years, the ALF National Board of Directors has seen an opening taking shape before us in the form of growing polarization, extremism in our policies, and a desire to find common ground. Knowing the power of dialogue across difference which so many of us witnessed in our own classes, we know that there is a formula for building bridges of understanding to move both relationships–and our communities–forward.
I’m proud of the ALF National Board of Directors, and our Silicon Valley Chapter Board, for taking a leap of faith and leaning into this moment of opportunity to take ALF to new heights and new impact potential. In February of 2022, I assumed the role of Executive Director of ALF National in order to get a substantial three-year business plan created that has the potential to transform our organization and the communities we serve and hope to serve. Their vision and courage to act opened the door to new possibilities.
Within our chapter, change came upon us and pushed us to make quick yet meaningful decisions about the Fellows program. While our facilitation team had unforeseen circumstances befall them, together, we had the courage to act quickly and carry our classes through. This year, we welcome two new facilitators to the Fellows program–Akemi Flynn (Class XXVII) and Dr. Byron Burkhalter. We stayed committed to the vision, moved through some significant trials, and exercised resilience as a unit.
As I examine the speed at which change is coming at society, I recognize the critical need to practice what we have coined “The ALF Way” as we navigate the world. To stay ever-present and mindful of our intentions, actions, and relationships; to practice wonder, curiosity, grace, and forgiveness. To choose dialogue over divide and conquer. To be aware of our privilege and leverage our power for the good of the broader ecosystem. To embrace civic responsibility. To lead with love.
As our local and national organizations begin to share the big vision for ALF 2.0 and garner support, I hope you’ll join us in leading into the possibilities of what our communities can look like if we are in right relationship with ourselves, each other, and the planet. This kind of transformation is an all-hands-on-deck movement to which we are all called. I look forward to co-creating the future with you all!
VIEW THE 2022/2023 COMMUNITY IMPACT REPORT
Suzanne St. John-Crane
Chief Executive Officer
Class XXV / Urbanism XXXIV
ALF National Interim Executive Director
