Intentional Acts of Kindness — #20
Gratitude at the Heart of It All

Our final Intentional Act of Kindness comes from me—the facilitator of this program—and it felt only right to end this journey with gratitude.

Just a few weeks ago, in December, I stopped by the O'Fallon-Shiloh Chamber of Commerce with cupcakes and a simple thank you. But that thank you represented years of support. From the earliest planning conversations in 2024, to helping bring this role to life, to opening doors—literally and figuratively—through site visits, resources, financial support, and steady encouragement, the Chamber has been a constant champion of this program and the students at its heart.

This act of kindness was also deeply personal.

Ten months ago, in March 2025, Debbie Arell-Martinez, President/CEO of the Chamber, encouraged me to explore the CEO facilitator role. At the time, I was in a demanding position that required constant travel and left little room for family. Stepping into this role in July 2025 wasn’t just a career change—it was a choice to align with values that our CEO community consistently models.

Our CEO community is made up of four high schools across multiple towns, united by a shared belief in experiential learning, mentorship, and the power of relationships.

Throughout the year, the business leaders who have poured into our students have emphasized that true success isn’t defined solely by titles or revenue, but by how we protect what matters most—our time, our relationships, and our families. Our students hear this message week after week from mentors across our CEO community who live it and lead by example.

Because of this collective support, 20 incredible students are surrounded each day by people who believe in them—business owners who open their doors across our region, mentors who share their stories, a Board of Directors who leads with trust and vision, and partners who invest in their futures. It is a privilege to help facilitate a program built on generosity, belief, and shared purpose.

This final act of kindness is a heartfelt thank you—to our communities, to our Board of Directors, to our mentors and business leaders, and to every partner who has poured into our CEO family. Your support has created opportunities, shaped perspectives, and made a lasting impact far beyond what can be measured.

Kindness has a way of coming full circle—and today, I feel incredibly blessed to be standing right in the middle of it! ❤️