Devon Gilchrist Log 1

Since the last learning submission, I have continued with my academic studies at the University of Minnesota and Concordia University. Additionally, I had to take an extra class at the University of Colorado that I was not planning on taking due to administrative oversight on their part. Many of the concepts I am learning in my programs such as project management, policy analysis, and data visualization have been interesting and I have been working to apply them to my current work and think about ideas for future initiatives and projects. I have continued to participate in the Sankoa Child Welfare Leadership Institute and traveled to Charlotte North Carolina in March to participate in our first in-person two-day meeting. It was good to meet the other institute participants in person for the first time and we have great conversations about the work and how we show up as leaders.

Recently I was awarded a 2023 Alum of the Year award from the University of Minnesota School of Social Work which was completely unexpected.

I was asked to present at two national conferences and completed both presentations in the past two weeks. One was virtual and one was in person. The feedback I received was extremely positive and I have received communication from several people who are inquiring about my presenting in other spaces in the future. I have continued to meet with my executive coach monthly and our meetings have been very useful in discussing issues, challenges, strategies, and other important matters. Currently, I am in the last two weeks of the semester and then I will get a short break before beginning a summer class but I am looking forward to a reduced schedule for a few months until the fall. I am planning on taking a few trips as well though I am not sure where just yet. I remain excited about my learning journey and where it has taken me thus far.