New Year, New Chair, New You

Hello! It’s with great pleasure that I write my first CMP Today article for you, the community that I am proud to represent and serve this year as the new chair of the CMP Governance Commission.

First, let me introduce myself. My name is Aleka Garcia. Recently, I started a new job as the marketing manager for Conventions & Events with Johnson & Johnson Surgical Vision. I’ve been married to my amazing husband, Michael, for 20 years, and we have two adorable dachshunds named Fred and Grace (they’re father and daughter!). When I’m not on an airplane (business or personal travel), you can find me on a yoga mat, jogging on the Beach – Huntington Beach that is – or on a dirt bike.

Now, on to the address: It’s that time of year when we usher out the old and welcome in the new. We take stock of our lives and commit to resolutions, because that’s what a New Year is all about.

My "new" is a double jackpot: CMP Governance Commission Chair and a new job! The journey to the Commission has been a real treat, and I look forward to serving you all. Erin Tench and Karen Kotowski have primed us for great new things in 2019. Personally, my new job is a new beginning to reinvent myself and build off my past 16 years to become a better version of me.

New is defined differently by each of us. New is challenging, invigorating, empowering and a journey. I like to think of this time of year as a great time to center ourselves and reflect: What do we want out of life, and how are we going to get it? We should all empower ourselves to achieve "new." New opportunities and new experiences aren’t going to come to you – you have to seek them out.

So what does "new" mean to you? A new job, a new skill, a new industry connection? Whatever it is, I encourage you to try it, truly evaluate what your "new beginning" is and make a plan to make it happen.

Thank you in advance for joining me in this new journey. The Governance Commission is working on great initiatives this year, and I look forward to getting to know you!

 

Aleka Garcia, CMP-HC, CMM