This past week has been a whirlwind of excitement! My 8-day Amtrak odyssey whisked me from the East Coast, across the heartland, and right into the vibrant embrace of Portland, Oregon. Though Glacier National Park beckoned, the allure of a restful retreat in Columbia, Montana won me over. There, amid spontaneous rain showers, I took a breather and caught up on some much-needed work.

As I rolled into Portland, the energy shifted from tranquility to the electrifying buzz of connection and community.

Portland Highlights

Portland Meetup

Portland, you truly radiated positivity! At The Sports Bra, our discussions seamlessly flowed from tech to healthcare and all the spaces in between. The strength and unity of our #community were palpable, and the outpouring of support was heartwarming.

A big thank you to the Oregon HIMSS chapter for their sponsorship, to Laura Kreofsky for orchestrating the event, and to everyone who elevated the evening. Celebrating in a venue dedicated solely to women’s
sports was a delightful touch. Wishing for more places that champion women's feats like this, where we can gather and uplift one another.

Spotlight: Kindness Ambassadors at Holcomb Elementary School

Stepping into Ms. Mohler’s 2nd-grade classroom, I was welcomed with an atmosphere thick with anticipation. The day began with the students engrossed in "One Drop of Kindness" by Jeff Kubiak, as shared by their dedicated teacher. When complete, Ms. Mohler introduced me as their special guest and I got to share with them what I do for a living.

“I work in healthcare and technology and I a get to talk to lots of women leaders about their jobs!” Hands started to raise & they wanted to tell me what their moms do for a living.

“My mom is a nurse!”
“My mom walks dogs and gives massages!”
“My mom teaches high school!”

I said, “That's amazing! Raise your hand if you’re proud of your mom.” And every hand in that room shot up.

It was heartening to see so many little hands shoot up, eager to share about their mom's professions and how they were proud of them. Moments like these are a testament to the profound influence and love a mother holds in her child's heart.

                    The highlight, however, was the unveiling of the #pinksocks. Ms. Mohler shared with the children that their classroom was chosen to be kindness ambassadors for their school. Their mission? To set a precedent, leading with acts of kindness, big or small – a smile, an invitation to play, or a helping hand. And as a symbol of this commitment, every student was presented with their very own pair of #pinksocks. In no time, the classroom transformed into a sea of matching socks and radiant smiles.

These young ambassadors have now committed to wearing their #pinksocks every Tuesday, not only as a proud badge of honor but also as a gentle reminder to the entire Holcomb Elementary community about the power and importance of kindness. It was a fleeting yet impactful visit, leaving my heart overflowing with gratitude and hope for a kinder future.

A huge shout-out to Nick for initiating this heartwarming opportunity!

A Night to Remember

At the cozy Allora Italian Restaurant & Bar on September 7th, an exquisite evening unfolded, meticulously curated to bring together some of the most dynamic women in healthcare and beyond. The ambiance was designed for unscripted conversations, enabling attendees to forge connections with phenomenal peers they might not have known yet, but absolutely needed to.

But the true essence of the night was the collective commitment we embraced: to be leaders who don't merely vie for a seat at the table. We champion a bigger table, more chairs, and an inclusive space for all. There's no gatekeeping here. Our aim is to pave the way for the women coming after us, ensuring they find no barriers, but an open invitation.

Laura, Renee, and Rozie deserve a resounding round of applause for orchestrating such an impactful evening. To all the awe-inspiring women who graced the occasion: Here's to us – not just taking a seat, but defining our table, extending its reach, and crafting narratives uniquely our own.

Forest Park Hike: Nature's Wisdom for Healthcare

Nature teaches in mysterious ways. The verdant pathways of Forest Park were more than just a scenic backdrop; they were a canvas illustrating the intricate web of connections mirrored in healthcare. Trees, in their silent wisdom, demonstrate the power of interdependence and mutual support. It's uncanny how their deep-rooted networks resonate with the complexities of health information exchanges. As I treaded these trails, Laurel and Sheila's insights deepened my understanding, drawing parallels between nature's ecosystem and the vast realm of healthcare data.

This enlightening journey will be a cornerstone as I prepare to keynote the Utah Health Information Network annual conference next month. There's no better teacher than nature, and I am grateful for such profound lessons that will shape my message to the audience. My heartfelt thanks to Laurel and Sheila for enriching the hike with their knowledge and perspectives.

Up Next on the #RoadtoHLTH:

San Francisco, the city of golden dreams! This week is packed with connections, conversations, and breathtaking views.

Tuesday: We’ll kick things off with our #pinksocks co-meetup at Zeitgeist. Come share your stories and hear others as we gather in good company in one of the city’s OG dive bars.

Thursday: We’ll dive into an evening of meaningful dialogue at an invite-only gathering at the elegant residence of Jenny Rios (my sister!). Crafted especially for outstanding women in healthcare, it's a chance to meet peers and icons alike. Engage in discussions with Emily Peters, the author of "Artists Remaking Medicine". Together, we'll explore the transformative power of art in healthcare.

Friday: As the sun sets, join us for a hike up to Twin Peaks. Witness the cityscape enveloped in hues of twilight, all while discussing the future of healthcare.

San Francisco, we're eager to experience all you have to offer. If you're in town, be part of our
journey. Let's make memories together!

Onward

With just Denver and Chicago left to explore, our journey is winding down, but the energy? It's
only amplifying! We’d love for you to support our mission, and don't forget to stay updated on
all our socials. Every like, share, and comment counts!

Stay connected, stay inspired!

To more adventures, tales, and meaningful connections,

~ Joy