WELCOME FROM NIYONU

Greetings ~ I count it a blessing to share this report describing the movement and flow of CEIO in 2022 As I read the words and images gathered by our amazing Maza Rey, I feel joy and I feel tears. A wide grin forms as I am reminded of the many beautiful connections, reinforced through laughter and shared learning The tears come as I wonder just how we made it through the fears and losses of 2021 and 2022 Many came in our personal circles while others emerged in society, as the guardians of the status quo stepped up efforts to bolster systems of oppression!

Within CEIO, 2022 brought a great deal of transition We’ve held appreciation gatherings, right into 2023, for members of the CEIO team who moved on to new endeavors. I am facing the same transition myself.

As I plan to step down from leading CEIO at the close of 2023, I hope to gently let go while fiercely supporting those who will be taking the reins. Join us in welcoming and supporting our new Rising Leadership Team as they prepare to take the reins I truly could not be more pleased!!

Thirteen years ago, I began a simple conversation with Bill Graustein We opened up to each other, sharing our wonderings, our dreams and our concerns for our communities. A new partnership took center stage in our lives CEIO was born

I hope that you enjoy seeing how the work has been unfolding ~ ever widening and growing deeper!

~Niyonu D. Spann