by Bonita Katz, BA RN ICCE ICBD IAT CLC

For those of us in the US and Canada, fall is a time of thanksgiving. I have a list of things to be thankful for, but one that needs to be mentioned here is a wonderful Board of Directors. Each member of the ICEA Board gives of their time and energy on a volunteer basis. They have worked diligently this year to move ICEA out of debt. We have developed several meaningful partnerships which bring increased benefits to ICEA professionals. And even now we are planning events to celebrate 2020 – ICEA’s 60th birthday! Speaking of thanksgiving and celebration – we are asking you to join us in raising funds for ICEA’s scholarship program. Our goal is to raise $2,020 by the end of the year. Even a small donation can make a big difference. Thanks in advance for helping us to help others! I am also thankful for Katesha Phillips, ICEA’s new Executive Director. Katesha has been involved in the association management industry for almost 20 years. She holds a B.A. in Sociology from North Carolina State University. She resides in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA, with her husband Carl and their two children, Janiyah (7) and Carl Jr. (2). Finally, I am thankful for you. As birth professionals – childbirth educators and doulas – you change the world one baby and one family at a time. Many of your efforts may be unseen by others, but I am reminded of the old saying, “Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.” Small acts of kindness, seen or unseen, can make a tremendous difference. Thank you for the work you do. And thank you for supporting ICEA.