"Things Done Changed..."

Like a dear friend recently wrote on their blog, "Things done changed."

Welcome back to CAT's blog, or should I say, welcome back to ME.  Its been, OH MY GOSH, 2 years since my last post....SERIOUSLY??  That can't be.  Let me look at my blog timeline again.  OMG. May 21, 2011 was the date of my last post.  Way too long.

So, please forgive me for my delay. 

Much has transpired since May 2011.  I was just starting my journey through graduate school, pursuing my MBA in Public Administration, and looking for a job after being unemployed for nearly seven months.  In November of 2011, I decided to take a leap of faith and put to good use the 15+ years of administrative experience I had gained.  Catalyst Unlimited, Inc. was launched, and my life began to change.  

Never once, in my wildest dreams did I see myself as a small business owner.  Graduate school was never in those dreams either.  Clearly, I need to dream bigger!  Catalyst is a Virtual Assistant firm, assisting businesses and individuals with various administrative tasks, project management, and event planning.  I have absolutely loved working for myself, meeting other business owners from so many varying industries and arenas.  Its been a slow start, but the opportunities are there, and I just need to be diligent, and patient, and seek out every opportunity.  

Graduation takes place (actually walking in the ceremony) in May, and then I'll have 2 more Summer courses to complete before my diploma is mailed to me.  Hard to believe its already been over 2 years since I began graduate school.  It will be nice to be finished.

This past September, 2012, the Democratic National Convention was held here in Charlotte, and I had the great opportunity to attend the Women's Caucus meetings held at the Charlotte Convention Center.

I had the amazing honor and privilege to hear the incredible female leaders in our nation, both in the public and private sector.  On Tuesday during the DNC, I sat in the 2nd row, soaking up the words of:

 Cecile Richards - President of Planned Parenthood

Kathleen Sibelius - United States Secretary of Health & Human Services

Donna Brazile - MY FAVORITE: Vice-Chair of the Democratic National Committee 

& Democratic Strategist

Congresswoman Nancy Pelosi - Senate Majority Leader

Congresswoman Debbie Wasserman Schultz - (D-FL) and the 

Chair of the Democratic National Committee

Valerie Jarrett - Senior Advisor to President Barack Obama

I also had the honor of meeting the Vice-Chair of the Democratic Party 

of the State of Georgia, Sally Rosser...

as well as 2 strong, intelligent, and beautiful delegates from their state: 

Ashley Lee and Michelle Cooper Kelly

The icing on the cake came when two very special visitors joined us on the second day of the Women's Caucus:

Dr. Jill Biden and First Lady Michelle Obama

 Dr. Jill Biden

I had the great honor of shaking both of their hands at the conclusion of the meeting, with First Lady looking directly into my eyes as she held my hand, asking "Are you ready to go?"  And without wavering, I responded, "Yes I am!"  It was the most surreal moment of my life, and one that I will not quickly forget. 

I have always loved and been intrigued by politics and political commentary, but the week the DNC came to town solidified it all for me.  Confirmed to me that my choice of Public Administration as my MBA specialization was the PERFECT one!  I have the opportunity to apply for a 2 year paid fellowship, working with a federal government agency, following graduation.  It would be incredible to be a part of the work of President Obama's Administration! 

School, building Catalyst, and working a part time job has been my focus for the past 2+ years.  Not much else can be crammed into my day, other than a few monthly Charlotte City Council meetings, and the potential seat on the Community Relations Committee for the City.  Final vote on my nomination is March 25th, so I'll keep you all posted.  It would be my first step into the world of public administration.  

We will see.....so stay tuned!