Thank you to Director of Global Sales Anna Williams for today's post!
"Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth." – Muhammad Ali
In 2019, my life changed forever when I suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at home.
Thanks to my family’s quick actions, the EMTs, and the power of CPR, I survived. My recovery wasn’t easy, but it ignited a mission in me: to educate others about the importance of CPR, particularly in our industry.
When Damar Hamlin’s on-field collapse and revival captured global attention, it underscored the life-saving potential of CPR training. With support from the Atlanta CVB and the Georgia World Congress Center, we organized CPR classes for event professionals. Watching peers learn these vital skills reminded me how volunteerism creates tangible, meaningful change.
At its core, I believe that facilitating face-to-face experiences is about more than networking; it’s about fostering personal connections that make us feel less alone in our human moments.
Alongside my personal advocacy, professional volunteerism has been a defining part of my career. Serving on the board of the PCMA Southeast Chapter has allowed me to give back to an organization that has shaped my career in countless ways. I’ll be stepping into the role of president-elect in 2025, and I look forward to continuing to support our chapter and inspire the next generation of industry leaders.
Attending PCMA Convening Leaders has always been a highlight for me, recharging my passion for our work at the start of each year. This year, I saw an opportunity to blend my two volunteer passions by applying for the Humanitarian Scholarship, sponsored by Visit Louisville.
I was honored to receive the scholarship, which supported my attendance at Convening Leaders and covered a full year of PCMA membership — giving me the chance to deepen my contributions to both PCMA and our industry.
Shortly after, I learned I’d become a finalist for Community Advocate of the Year at the Visionary Awards — a recognition for my advocacy work. Though I didn’t win, the nomination was humbling and affirming.
The culmination of this journey was attending the Muhammad Ali Humanitarian Awards in Louisville on November 9. This year’s event was deeply inspiring, honoring individuals who embody Ali’s legacy of service and compassion.
Shaquille O’Neal received the Humanitarian of the Year Award for his incredible charitable work and the Shaquille O’Neal Foundation. Bryan Stevenson was celebrated with the Lifetime Achievement Award for his unwavering commitment to social justice through the Equal Justice Initiative. And Nile Rodgers was presented with the Global Citizenship Award for his work promoting inclusivity and combating systemic racism.
These remarkable honorees reminded me of one of Ali’s most powerful quotes:
"Impossible is just a big word thrown around by small men who find it easier to live in the world they’ve been given than to explore the power they have to change it."
Volunteerism — whether personal or professional — has the power to transform lives. It builds community, fosters resilience, and inspires change.
For those wondering where to start, find something that resonates with you and use it as an avenue to give back. You might find, as I have, that the impact you make will come full circle, enriching your life in ways you never expected.
November and December especially are seasons of giving. Let’s embrace this wholeheartedly and create a ripple of kindness in our communities.
Ways to give back this holiday season:
Donate: contribute money or goods to a cause close to your heart.
Volunteer: dedicate your time to a community project or favorite organization.
Share gratitude: start a journal or publicly thank clients and partners.
Join a cause: participate in initiatives like Toys for Tots by donating or hosting a drop-off box.
Let’s make 2025 a year of empowerment, inspiration, and action. Together, we can uplift each other and create lasting change — one heartbeat at a time.
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