Address by the Chair‐elect of the ADEA Board of Directors

Good afternoon. First and foremost, I am grateful to God, for giving me the strength opportunity stand before you. Thank you Dr. Nadershahi. It has been such a privilege work with you, Mays, West, our Board of Directors, all volunteer members, partners over last year. At close ADEA House Delegates on Tuesday, look forward serving as your Chair. shoulders that came me. My position is result support love from an army colleagues, friends, advisors, mentors who nominated helped accomplish this dream. Our in each other! delegates members privilege. During my tenure Chair, working closely President CEO, Karen Directors. We will continue momentum, move association forward, prepare serve leaders dental education, oral health care, academic professions next century. This quietly historical moment deserves be acknowledged out loud. only tenth woman Chair Directors 100-year history, first person Puerto Rican descent. extremely proud represent members. equally many students, faculty, staff, residents, fellows have broken barriers overcome challenges their way achieving dreams through education. The richness not lost As incoming dawn new century, join sisterhood outstanding women are among “the first”. When assume make history. time had CEO lead simultaneously. also celebrate growing cohort other directors, presidents, presidents-elect professional organizations associations—the American Dental Association, National Institute Craniofacial Research, Hispanic Society Indian Dentists, Association Women Hygienists’ associations—who now, whom pleasure coming Times changing! even more serendipitous 2024 International Women's Leadership Conference take place New Orleans during service together. Every must select theme signature year leader. believe faith, hard work, persistence, we can achieve anything. Therefore, Nadershahi's Annual Session Centennial theme, “Believe I'mPossible.” Nadershahi, inspired thought about what guiding mantra pandemic, Quock's “We” spoke collective energy. May's “Lifting Rise,” us lift ourselves when education met two years. year's I'mPossible,” speaks individual capacities build world possibilities. why chosen Beginnings, Endless Opportunities & Exhibition Orleans. What significance theme? forces think how respond these questions forge path honors essential role care plays establishing maintaining people's well-being. encapsulates shared commitment accessible welcoming women, historically underrepresented racial ethnic groups, LGBTQ+ community, persons disabilities, marginalized groups. further serves together educate generation resilient professionals excel ever-changing, fast-paced world. Why did choose In few years, great deal. Climate change, COVID-19, civil unrest, gun violence, name few, created stressors, anxiety, personal disruptions. These disruptions taught importance looking lens recognizes around us. enables solidarity develop intentional strategies which enhance protect health, safety, By embracing Opportunities, surmount come technologies, artificial intelligence, advances telehealth, teledentistry, gene editing, therapies. doing so, ensure ethics top priority systems, solutions, ways things. close, behalf entire Planning Committee, invite vibrant, eclectic, historic Orleans, Louisiana, where 100th Exhibition: beginning century final reflection Exhibition, would like conclude quote America Ferrera, Latina actress activist. She says: “Every single one … leave better innate worth inherent power simply by claiming living own power.” Let's use exercising power, goal creating “endless opportunities” ourselves, those us, follow Then see enabling them create “new beginnings” I'mPossible”—possible. entrusting position—for incredible ahead. now ADEA's believing I'm possible! Gracias!