White Party

Recently, I had the honor of speaking at an Influence Circle Dinner in Tysons Corner, Northern Virginia—an experience that reminded me of one powerful truth: Showing up is everything.

Erika Baez-Grimes invited me to this incredible event, and, to be honest, there were plenty of reasons not to go—an hour-plus drive after a long workday, rush hour traffic, and rain. But I said yes.

Why? Because showing up is a choice. And sometimes, that one simple decision can lead to incredible opportunities and experiences you never imagined.

At the dinner, I met some truly inspiring individuals—including Dr. Geith Kallas, who later invited me to my first-ever White Party (another event I almost talked myself out of…who has a perfect white outfit just waiting for an invitation?!).

But once again, I said yes—and let me tell you, it was AMAZING.

Imagine: flamenco dancers, a mermaid in the pool, water bubble dancing, a stunning opera performance, and delicious Syrian food. But the real magic? Dr. Kallas’s story.

He shared his journey of coming to America—navigating the risks, the challenges, and the incredible opportunities that arose simply because he chose to show up.

His story was filled with gratitude, not just for what he has, but for everything he’s worked for.

It was the kind of reminder that the American Dream is built on hard work, resilience, and the courage to take that first step, even when it’s uncomfortable.

🌟 Key Takeaway: Opportunity is always knocking, you just have to open the door.

Showing up—even when it feels inconvenient or uncomfortable—unlocks doors to new connections, lessons, and opportunities that can transform your life.

So here’s to showing up. To saying yes when it counts. Because you never know what might be waiting on the other side of that decision.

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