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more globally recognized as vital resources; and our professional devel- opment team is expanding virtual training opportunities for our members in answer to the COVID-19 pandemic and ceased travel issues. At the 2020 Winter Conference, when I was announced as the first woman BICSI President-Elect, I proudly walked across the stage to cheers from the audience (both men and women). But I didn't earn the title because I am a woman. I earned the position because of years of hard work and steady involvement. From my first introduction to BICSI in 1996, I recognized all the great things that BICSI stood for – education, credentialing, committee work and always camaraderie among the members to better the association, the industry and even one's personal goals. When a need is identified, BICSI finds a way to meet that challenge. Look at the evolution of the Women in BICSI group. It has grown exponentially since five of us got together almost eight years ago. At the last Women in BICSI breakfast (with both men and women attending in a standing-room only crowd), Betsy Conroy presented some pretty hefty statistics about the gender gap in ICT (such as less than 20% of ICT jobs globally are being held by women), but also offered a great perspective and suggestions. To me, the resounding message was to get involved to change the statistics. At that same Women in BICSI break- fast, I was overcome with pride and gratefulness when Ashley Wills, RCDD, DCDC, OSP, and Michele Neifing presented me with a necklace from my peers that symbolizes "break- ing the glass ceil- ing." But everyone can be that change. Whether you are a man or woman, get involved! And never stop believing in yourself or the importance of the association. Learn more at bicsi.org/rcdd. DESIGN AN EXCEPTIONAL INTELLIGENT BUILDING. RELY ON AN EXCEPTIONALLY SKILLED BICSI RCDD. ® ORGANIZATION Page 11

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