Giving Back

Yesterday and today I had the great opportunity of giving back to two organizations that really helped shape my career and future.

Yesterday I spoke to a class of James Madison University event planning students on what it's like to work in the wedding and special events industry as well as to start and operate a small business as a young female. It was phenomenal to hear about what these students are accomplishing in their classes and I really enjoyed my time there. It was great timing too -- there was BEAUTIFUL foliage on the drive down! I always forget how much I love the Shenandoah Valley. Here's what the trees looked like outside of Showker Hall, the business building on JMU's campus:Today I was invited to share some inspiration to nearly 100 high school DECA students at a district leadership conference. The event took place at the USA Today headquarters building in Tyson's Corner (which is VERY cool, by the way) where the students rotated from seminar to seminar learning how to be leaders in their local school chapters. I was a member of DECA only in my senior year of high school but the experience was unforgettable and I am continually touched by the effort the DECA teachers put forth to help their students succeed.Whether you're volunteering time or making a financial or in-kind donation, giving back to community organizations is such an important aspect of running a business as well as being a decent human being. As the holidays approach, take some time to think of how you can be beneficial to your own local community.