Every June 19th, we come together to honor Juneteenth — a day that marks the resilience, courage, and triumph of those who endured centuries of oppression and finally learned of their freedom in 1865. While the Emancipation Proclamation came two years earlier, this day reminds us that freedom is not always immediate, and justice often takes time.

Forced to Pause, Learning to Breathe

In observance of Alzheimer’s & Brain Awareness Month, I find myself thinking more intentionally about memory—how we use it, how we protect it, and what it means when we begin to lose it. I am not a neuroscientist, doctor, or memory expert. I’m simply a reader, a lifelong learner, and someone who carries both curiosity and quiet concern about cognitive health as I grow older.

I recently came across an insightful article, “Women Rethinking Career Advancement 2026: What’s Next?”, and it got me reflecting on the unique challenges and opportunities women face in advancing their careers today. While the discussion highlights systemic barriers, it also underscores the importance of intentional career planning, skill development, and self-advocacy—issues that resonate deeply with me as an Executive Assistant holding an MA and aPHR certification.

AI is everywhere these days. In fact, a large percentage of the webinars I’ve attended this year have included discussions about AI—how it can make work faster, smarter, or more efficient. And while it’s impressive, I keep coming back to one simple truth: there are things AI will never be able to replace—and they’re the things that really matter.

I started this journey to read the entire Bible in 52 weeks last year, around October or November. Life, as it often does, had other plans. The holidays, changes in family dynamics, and the everyday demands of life all pulled me away from my goal. And honestly? I fell off.

In any fast-paced workplace, critical knowledge often lives in people’s heads. Over time, we develop routines, habits, and informal workarounds that keep things moving—until they don’t. When workloads increase, priorities shift, or someone else needs to step in, those “in-the-moment” processes can quickly become bottlenecks. Tasks take longer, mistakes happen, and vital context can be lost.

At some point, many people reach a moment when their work no longer feels aligned. Perhaps you’ve invested in your education—maybe a master’s degree, professional certifications, or years of experience—and yet, despite all that effort, your career feels scattered.

By Tyesha Love-Blackshear, inspired by Ebony Adomanis, CAP

In Honor of Administrative Professionals Day