CONFERENCE WRAP UP

PUERTO RICO CONFERENCE…

Leading up to the conference in April, I know I sounded exhausted and ready for this one to be behind me. In my defense, it was 5 years in the making! That’s a long-time folks, especially when you throw a global pandemic into the mix. Needless to say, we started out planning this conference as our 20th Anniversary Celebration and while later than expected, it was a celebration indeed, for many reasons. Over 100 of our NADR colleagues gathered at the Wyndham Grand Rio Mar in Puerto Rico in early April for the first “back to normal”, in-person event we’ve held since 2019 and boy did it feel great! The resort was a beautiful backdrop for learning, networking, and most importantly for the rest and relaxation that we’d all been craving. The week was spent celebrating togetherness as well as some VIPs within our NADR family. For starters, we honored our Immediate Past President C. Greg Cates with the Al Gonzales Distinguished Service Award. Greg saw this organization through one of the most trying and least flexible times in NADR’s history as we navigated the pandemic together. His steadfast leadership and dedication to this association was unparalleled and for that reason he was the obvious recipient of this honor. My dear podcast co-host, J. Shay Guess, was awarded Member of the Year! Not only is Shay dedicated to the success of the NADR Let’s Get into It podcast (and the brainchild behind it), he is also a true champion of NADR; he sings our praises and encourages members to be engaged. Speaking of being engaged… long time NADR member Shirley Jenks is ENGAGED to NADR President Michael Wener!!! Michael popped the question in Puerto Rico - talk about a reason to celebrate!! I couldn’t be more excited for my friends and wish them a lifetime of happiness together. Aside from the big celebrations, I saw people celebrating all the small things too. Being able to shake hands and hug each other, grabbing coffee or dinner together, walking the grounds and smelling the sea breeze. This business can be tough (not made any easier by delays in fee payments). It’s refreshing to be reminded that we have to celebrate ALL the small things, not the least of which is this amazing organization of disability advocates, fighting the good fight every single day for those who can’t fight alone. I celebrate each and every one of you. Thank you, as always, for being a a member of NADR and sharing your expertise with us. Eva Sirman, CAE NADR Association Manager

A room with a view! Networking Break

NADR Member Shirley Jenks & President Michael Wener NADR Association Management Team Deb Doxey & Eva Sirman Lunch Al Fresco