A Touch of Class
Get ready, everybody- Saturday is National Classy Day!
National Classy Day, January 17th, was created in honor of the iconic actress and comedian Betty White, celebrating her grace, passion, and kindness on what would have been her birthday. Many people I know embody the qualities of the word “classy” and have made a great impact on my life. Today, I’d like to share them with you.
Dr. Patrica Larkins Hicks possesses a great deal of class. Dr. Hicks is the founder and president of The Outcomes Measurement Group LTD. Hicks’ business has helped leaders, boards, and organizations translate strategy into results. I met Dr. Hicks when I was a member of the Ohio Developmental Disabilities Council and loved hearing her present, because she was always very knowledgeable, cool, and confident. It has been an honor to consult with her on a few projects and learn why she’s all about the data.
Although I consider myself a strong advocate, even I need an advocate I can turn to from time-to-time. My go-to is Melody Burba. Melody, whom I’m proud to call my friend, works as an Independent Living Specialist at the Access Center for Independent Living. Having someone you can trust as a good source of information when it comes to disability-related matters is critical. Melody is tough, yet classy. When she speaks, people listen.
I have many classy people in my family, but today I’d like to shine a light on my cousin, Linda Davis-Watters. Linda exudes class and everyone can feel it when in her presence. Her extensive resume includes serving as the former Vice President of Government Relations at John Hancock Life Insurance. I love hearing about my cousin’s adventures as she shares her travels around the world with me. Linda is the true definition of a classy boss chick.
To possess class, I believe one must have an aura of confidence and positivity about themselves. Maybe class is something you can develop, but I tend to think you either have it, or you don’t. As you go through the year, I challenge you to step back and think of the classy people in your life and how they have inspired you to be a better version of yourself.
Thanks to Dr. Hicks, Melody, and Linda for being seriously classy role models to me!
Please send your thoughts on this story to our Facebook page or email Shari at s.cooper@gesmv.org.