Back to the Motherland

First of all, thanks to all of you who have followed this blog in the past regarding the various adventures that am lucky to be a part of. I was among the fortunate 20 people in Louisiana to be selected for the Louisiana Effective Leaders Program, which is a collaboration between the Southern University School of Business and the Duke University Center for Leadership and Public Values. I started this program last June, and it has truly been a life and career changing experience. I have learned a totally new way of approaching leadership, coulped with my personality and the skill set that I already pssess. I have benefitted from a key component of the program, which is the coaching piece. I would say tat all of my classmates would agree that thi has been one of teh best take-aways of teh program. gain, I am so forturnate and grateful.

Quick update: We left New Orleans on Friday and flew to Amsterdam (8.5 hours) and then on to Cape Town (10.25 hours). Needless to say, we were exhausted, and so all I could manage when we arrived at midnight was to scribble a few lines in the journal and let Marsha Ambrosius take me on to sleep. After slumbering for 12 1/2 hours ( I am soooo not kidding), I awoke today and met with my advocacy group ( more on that later), and attended a reception, including some of the South African fellows from previous classes, our coaches, and Ambassador James Joseph, who conceived of and is directing the program. I will post pictures from this evening if my wi-fi will cooperate. I am about to get some much needed rest, as tomorrow looks to be a busy day.

Initial observations: The country is absolutely stunning, with beautiful beaches and mountains. The people are nice, and I have twice been mistaken for a native. That feels good. These are beautiful and kind people, and it is interesting to see my ancestors faces in so many, Today, I saw a woman who looked just like my grandmother, and it took my breath away. As an African-American, it is difficult to describe the feeling of connecting with the African part my nationality. And I've been here less that 24 hours!!!!!!!

Until tomorrow,

Cheers,
Shannan