A Message From Our President

 
Dear Colleagues, Friends, and PCACAC Members:

With November 1 behind us, we're shifting gears from intensive letter writing for our counseling colleagues to delving into the application review process for our college side members. Regardless of where each of us stands in this journey, students and families continue to depend on our guidance through the college application process. As we head into the upcoming break, we hope you find time to relax, rejuvenate, and celebrate your successes.

Expressing gratitude in anticipation of the upcoming holidays, I'm thankful for the outstanding work happening across our region. Our Leadership Team and Board that have unwavering dedication to our profession and association. PCACAC Past-Presidents who set the stage for so many of us to continue to carry the torch. Lastly, the impact each of you makes on students' lives through your daily efforts is truly remarkable.

PCACAC has been keeping busy, expanding our professional development opportunities and welcoming new faces to the Board. The Leadership Education Webinar Certificate Program, featuring two insightful sessions in November, is now accessible for members. I encourage PCACAC members to take advantage of these free resources for exceptional professional development.

Conference Planning Co-Chairs Damian Garcia and Julia Hixson are hard at work planning our 59th Annual Conference in Norfolk, VA—get ready for an exciting and robust experience!

Calvin Wise and Jose Garcia, Co-Chairs of the Inclusion and Access Committee, are bringing back the Coming Together Pre-Conference on April 14, 2023, at Old Dominion University. This high-level discussion on diversity, access, and inclusion is made possible through valuable partnerships with institutions, and we extend our thanks to ODU for their support!

We welcome Wendy Ayala as our new Membership Committee Co-Chair, and we look forward to her collaboration with Scott Mayer under the leadership of Libby Weith, our Vice President of Finance. A heartfelt thank you to Alice Whitener for her dedicated service as Membership Co-Chair.

Congratulations to Robyn Lady, former PCACAC President and NACAC Board member, on her election to represent the Dranesville District on the Fairfax County Public School Board. Her impactful leadership continues to resonate across our region. Congrats, Robyn!

As we create opportunities for our members, we invite your engagement and encourage you to consider volunteering your time. The diversity of voices, representation from across the profession, and different experiences is crucial to the success of our association.

During the upcoming holiday season, take a moment to reflect on the lives you've touched and will continue to impact with your valuable work. While not easy, it is undoubtedly worthwhile. Thank you for your unwavering support and commitment to PCACAC.

¡Gracias por todo lo que hacen para nuestra comunidad de PCACAC! Estoy tan agradecida de representar un grupo de profesionales tan apasionantes y que cambian vidas todo los días.

Sincerely,

Rosemary Martin Edwards
President, Potomac and Chesapeake Association for College Admission Counseling