Competence is the first of the three values I believe in embodying. Competence comes first because within the workplace and many times in life, competence is the reason people notice you. Without competence there can be no connection or creativity. I work hard every day to improve the skills I have and to learn new ones. I want competence to be something people know they will get from me. 

Connection is what moves people forward. Connection has allowed me to meet amazing individuals both professionally and in life. Connection allows us to not walk alone. But connection takes effort, it is a journey. It requires intentionality and vulnerability. I understand connection is not always easy but it is a value I am committed to wholeheartedly pursuing. 

You may notice creativity is the only word without a period after it. This is intentional. It symbolizes that creativity cannot be limited, it is not stunted or stopped. It is continuous, and full of opportunity and potential. It is something that has endless possibilities. I value creativity because it means I have the ability to express myself, to use my voice in countless ways and help others to express their own voice.