The first time I left the United States, I was 16 years old and found myself in Paris. As I drove into the heart of the city, I looked at a woman sitting at a cafe and thought, “I wonder what her life is like, what do her days consist of, is she happy?” I passed a man on the street and thought the same type of thing – “Where is he going, what does he do for work, who does he love?”

It wasn’t until years and years later that I discovered there is a word for my first experience in Paris – “Sonder.” The realization that each random passerby is living a life as vivid and complex as your own.

As I’ve grown personally since my time in Paris, I’ve come to understand that one of my life goals was born from this trip and consistently remains at the forefront of my being: How can I truly come to know these strangers I pass along the way?

In navigating my professional career, I’m always asking myself, “How do I support those less fortunate than I?” and “Where am I finding the most joy?” The answer is: when advocating for others. The moment I discovered the french word santé, means both “health” and “cheers!” my vision became clear to know we are developing the overall health of an organization or we are saying “Cheers!” to your next event.