I can't lie, when Dee said yes to joining me on the podcast, I was so excited and grateful she was willing to take time out of her day to chat with me. To give context, Dee and I work together at the same non-profit organization and have some really AMAZING conversations. The crazy thing is, I've never met Dee in person. Like many people who made career changes and life transitions during this pandemic, I have learned the hard work of building authentic relationship with colleagues and within teams, what it means to work collaboratively over a screen, and used trial and error to find ways to connect in meaningful and purposeful ways outside of the norms we have been grown a custom to.

I can say with confidence, from the jump, Dee and I brought the desire for authentic connection to the table. Though we don’t work directly with each other, our work has intersected allowing us to meet in groups and 1:1. Each time we meet, it seems Dee and I make it a priority to begin and end each of our meetings with the most human part of ourselves. Deadlines and time boundaries are essential in the work place, however, it seems equally essential for us to authentically connect with each other as well. I won't pretend collaboration and connection happens with the snap of your fingers or that it can happen by accident. I’m learning it is an active choice, a muscle I flex, to do the work it requires to create and maintain a safe space where authenticity thrives. The choice becomes especially important when we are screen fatigued, emotionally drained, stressed and it becomes easier to rely on the habits and patterns we have worked hard to overcome. Throughout this conversation, Dee and I talk about the work of healing ourselves in order to heal the world around us and I’m stoked to share her story with you all.Deona Dorsey has over 15 years of experience working in organizations that focus on helping families improve the quality of their lives. She continues to reflect on the wisdom of her grandmother, the late Dr. L.A. Gonzales, who was an educator and advocate for undeserved children. It was her grandmother’s influence that ignited her passion to be a positive change agent by volunteering, supporting, and collaborating with community-based organizations, businesses, and government agencies. Deona is successful in many of her roles that champion decision making for equitable impact in the community. In her role as a Program Specialist for the San Diego Workforce Partnership, it has allowed her to combine her philanthropic drive through workforce services and partnerships. You can find Deona on Instagram @dcwd or on LinkedIn.

---

Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/flexthis/message