Striving For More in 2024: A Message from RESA® National Chairperson

Greetings RESANation! I hope all is well with each one of you, and that you enjoyed your holiday season with family and friends.

Over the last year, there have been a lot of great events that occurred such as but not limited to the Janet Jackson, Taylor Swift and Beyonce world tours, famous weddings, box office hits with new movies and so on.

One awesome event that we all celebrated together was RESACON Vegas 2023, back “home” at the M Resort. Oh, what a time we had and if you were there for the first time, or the 20th time, it still was a blast to meet and greet each other and share experiences.

For me, it was most meaningful as I became a member of the RESA® National Board of Directors and giving thanks to everyone that voted me in. You know, it’s one thing when you sit on the sidelines and just look and be observant to what’s going on, but when you are called to duty and show up each month to be your best and do the task at hand, well, that’s an honor and privileged to serve as a leader. Those of you who remember, I shared my experience 2 years ago about my leadership role and what it takes to be a leader which you can read in your spare time and hope it will shed light as you travel your own leadership path.

RESA® BOD and Chapter leaders at RESACON 2023’s Leadership Luncheon
Being present at 2023 RESACON showed there were no more excuses regarding
the pandemic setback. We surpassed our attendees as compared to 2021 and
2022 conferences and that was truly amazing. Oh, the laughter, hugs, smiles
running here and there throughout the long hallways, attending our training and
speaker sessions were priceless and it is my hope that it will be even more in
2024.
I want to publicly thank all the volunteers who served, and I presented each of them with a personal card and small token of their appreciation. My dear friends and colleagues Carol Clark (President-Elect Carolinas Chapter) and Kathryn Lenhardt (President Seattle Chapter) for coming to me and said they want to help this year serving as Co-Chairs of Volunteers. They both came to me and said “Yo we see what you do, and we can handle it for you at our next 2024 RESACON.”
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RESA® Chapter leaders and volunteers, Kathryn Lenhardt and Carol Clark at RESACON 2023
I believe I shed a tear and thanked them both. I did not even have to ask anyone,
but it was the kindness of their hearts to step up and that is what it is all about.
I want to thank the outgoing RESA® BOD’s Jacquelin Franklin (Chair), Minol
Shamreen and Tori Torth for their major contributions to RESA® as they
showcased their gifts and talents in service. I want to acknowledge the current
board members, Ellen Mann, Red Barrinuevo, Lew Corcoran, Joke Durojaiye, Leah Jones, and returning member Tori Toth who all will do great things on behalf of YOU, our members.

Lastly, let us show appreciation for our lustrous leader Shell Brodnax for her vision in creating RESA and the hard work, blood, sweat and tears of making it what it is today. I have learned first-hand now being a member of the BOD what it takes to run a successful non-profit association and I salute you, Lady Shell.

I don’t know where to begin with our headquarters team who never stop working and extending themselves to RESA®. Gina, Felecia, and Joanna OMG!! You

ladies are awesome in doing what you do for all of us. Navigating webinars making sure sound checks and live videos are in order and pushing out great content for our audience to read, to coordinating chapter leaders and growing membership and the list goes on and on. THANK YOU!!
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Now, you the 2024 RESA® Chapter Leaders, and members. This is your time to
shine, step up and do your parts. It’s a true commitment and the agreement you
signed up for to do the work at hand. If you don’t serve on your local RESA®
chapter board, that’s ok, it’s still something for you to do such as but not limited
to organizing a hospitality committee in assuring chapter members are ok when they don’t show up by picking up the phone and calling them, sending written
notes to let them know they are thought of, or perhaps creating a RESACON
committee, coordinating when the chapter members are to meet for group
photos, hold a special meeting to share with those who never experienced
attending what to expect, and just fellowshipping with each other.
 
We all have a stake in what we do so show support and lend a hand, it will go a
long way! I wish each one of you a prosperous New Year and take advantage of
the special promotions coming soon for RESACON registrations (don’t wait until
the last minute to reserve your ticket, also the special rates with airlines) NO
MORE EXCUSES… LET’S GO!! If you don’t see yourself in our RESA® Chapter
Leadership Luncheon photos and other snapshot I took at our 2023 RESACON
then there’s a seat waiting for you. Striving for More In 2024.
-Yo
Yolanda Tillman
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