Wow, it’s been too long since I last offered ‘A Dose of Sapphic Wisdom’!  I so apologize if you’ve been waiting.  I regret to say I haven’t been on some deserted isle sunning myself and drinking coconut juice….well, almost…

Out and Equal Conference a Great Success

I’ve been getting into all sorts of fun.  First off, Out and Equal’s Conference in beautiful Tempe, Arizona was a blast!  Almost a thousand professionals from corporate life together for several days of unbelievable workshops, networking and having fun together.  All of the big boys and gals were there – JP Morgan Chase, Intel, Motorola, IBM, Raytheon, Ford, etc., etc., etc.

Thanks to Selisse Berry and her fine staff (Stephen and Alisha you were super!) for being so welcoming.  You will be hearing more from me on the conference in the weeks to come, because  I learned much of value that will be of interest and help to you.  Suffice it to say that this is a wonderful environment to experience if you are a gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgendered person who has ever had a job (and that means just about all of us).  All of us need to feel more included, for who we are, in the environments in which we work.  This is changing as organizations understand the value of tapping the diversity of each and every member of their company.  In addition, there were several non-GLBT allies in attendance, including several company CEO’s.  Actually the only negative I can say is that the conference only occurs once a year!

And, guess who I ran into at the conference?  Yes, that’s right.  None other than Billie Jean King – in the flesh!  She gave the keynote on Friday morning and enthralled the audience.  What an inspiration she is.  What I remember most is her reminding all of us that “champions don’t quit.”  As much as any modern day heroine, she has walked that talk!

Glorious Fall in Orlando

Florida weather this time of year is just fantastic.  Now, I don’t see any colorful, changing leaves (actually, don’t miss em’ that much).  Warm (sometimes downright hot), but dry, days and pleasantly cool, breezy nights (so pleasant in fact that I drove home the other night in my golf cart with only a bathing suit on following a dip in the hot tub under the stars – I had forgotten to bring a bath towel or shirt).  Now, for those of you used to this sort of thing that might not seem a big deal, but for someone from Baltimore, it’s pretty amazing to be flying around half naked in the middle of the night on November 1st sans goosebumps!

I’d like to thank the gang at W-H-A-T for a fantastic welcome and day at Epcot Center’s Food and Wine Festival two Saturdays ago.  And, what a neat women’s business conference last Friday with Orlando’s premier networking organization, Connections.

Since I last wrote, I’ve been heavily involved in planning BE A Success and Coach Sappho activities for the coming year.  Coach Sappho will focus on relationships in 2005.  I am very excited about this new direction as we have some cool events in the works (including in person ones!).  So, hold onto your hat (or girdle, or whatever!), you won’t want to miss 2005.  In fact, whether you are coupled or single, it will be worth your while to keep an eye on ol’ Coach Sappho this coming year.  You’ll have the opportunity to have fun while brushing up on your “chick magnetism.”

Have a great week – I will be in touch soon!

Barb Elgin