Keynote Speech: Never Too Late: Dream Boldly, Lead Warmly, Shine Together

The following is a transcript of the Keynote Speech from National Convention, presented by Sue Watson of Business Initiatives.

Good Afternoon Sigma Alpha Sorority.

I did some homework! 112 years! 112 years of friendship, giving, and growth. What an incredible legacy to be part of. You are living history. Truly.

It sounds like some of you have been around a while? I want to find out who has been here the longest.

If you’ve been a member for less than a year … 25 years or more, would you please stand? How about 50 years? 75 years? Wow wow wow!

As I was thinking about today and pondering over my message one thing stood out above all else. 

You see, I’m a philanthropist too and I can share with you some of the fundraising I’ve done, the community projects, one of my favorites was a sleeping bag campaign…..

Here’s the difference though. I’m more of an individual contributor – I get an idea, uncoordinated, one I even dreamed up (California Dreaming) and then I pull a few people together.

What I see in YOU IS community, continuity, structure, purpose… and I’m profoundly moved by your continuing commitment to, maybe bigger than the causes you support, your continuing commitment to EACH OTHER.

So I want to talk with you about the power of friendship, of dreaming boldly, of leading with warmth, and about why we always need to be REINVENTING, reengaging and yes, of course, California Dreaming.

Friendship – The Thread That Holds It All 

Let’s start with friendship.

What has sustained you through your hardest times? A woman. A sister. A friend.

Sigma Alpha began as a "secret club" built on friendship. And that same foundation has grown into a powerful network of women who give generously, live courageously, and love without condition. Do you GET the courage that it takes to form these lasting bonds around giving? 

I imagine each of you has a story where another woman showed up for you—not to fix you, but simply to sit beside you. And isn’t that often all we need?

Female friendship is not only a comfort—it’s a FORCE. It is one of the most radical and beautiful things we ever get to experience. 

California Dreaming – A Spirit of Boldness 

So let’s talk about dreams. And we’re in California!

California has a certain energy, doesn’t it? So many great start ups here. Apple started in a garage. Google! Facebook. In-N-Out Burger began as a roadside stand. And my personal favorite! California Pizza Kitchen? 

California has always been about boldness and invention. Imagination and REIMAGINING. 

What’s your California dream now?

This is your time to dream again.

It’s never too late to revisit your vision and make it even better.

Resilience & Change 

California has wildfires—but also the richest soil for regrowth. It has earthquakes—but we build stronger each time. We know something about bouncing back, don’t we?

Sigma Alpha must have weathered change, challenge, and evolution over 112 years? Good times. Bad times. Recessions. And here you still are.

Great leaders expect change. They prepare, adapt, and lead others through it.

Change is an invitation, not an enemy.

Every day we can wake up and determine the direction of our lives. We can leave the past behind and turn a page, pick up the blank slate and CREATE. It’s the power of being human. We don’t have to accept ANYTHING. We get to say what the future looks like. I want inspire you to think big, dream big and make this organization as good as it’s ever been. Better even!

Walking on Sunshine – Emotional Tone & Joy 

Let’s talk about joy.

Research shows that joyful leaders inspire more loyalty, energy, and trust. And I would say—you are joyful leaders.

Your relationships, your giving, your sense of fun—it lights up rooms.

So here’s my question: where in your life can you turn up the light just a little more?

It could be as simple as calling an old friend, writing a letter, or volunteering in a new way. Bringing in new people. Taking on new projects. Stretching and being a little bit uncomfortable. Small choices, big ripple.

What Amy didn’t tell you about me is that I think comfort is drastically overrated. We just mosey along FORGETTING what we are capable of. Even those of YOU who have accomplished big things. Given or raised big amounts, made a unique and profound difference – I invite you to be uncomfortable – be in new conversations, try new things, be open to new ideas. 

Use ALL of your superpowers. 

It’s Never Too Late – Midlife as Power 

Do you know who Louise Hay is? She is one of my heroes.

She started Hay House Publishing at age 60. She learned to paint at 70. She took up ballroom dancing at 80. And she wrote her last book at 90.

She didn’t let a number define her story. She used every decade to do something new, something creative, something deeply difference making.

So I ask you—what’s something do you still want to do?

Write it down. Whisper it to yourself. Share it with someone before you leave today.

The older we get, the more certain we become of what matters. That’s our gift. Let’s lean in to it and make sure that WE matter. 

Community & Inclusion 

Here’s what I’m seeing as I look aound me right now. Let’s be real—a beach party isn’t much fun if you’re the only one there.

The magic of this organization is not just its history—it’s the way you reach back and pull others forward.

Every single one of you has something someone else needs—whether that’s encouragement, guidance, or simply a kind smile.

Closing – Call to Heart 

So here we are. Dreaming boldly. Leading warmly. Shining together.

Today, I invite you to:

• Make a new friend.

• Choose one dream to chase.

• Decide one way you’ll turn up your light and shine a little bit more. 

Before you leave today, I want you to turn to someone you didn’t come with and share one thing you still want to do—that scares you a little.

Because friendship isn’t a chapter - it’s the thread that runs through our whole story.

And this is an opportunity to start a new chapter. 

And your story? It’s just getting good. 

Thank you, Sigma Alpha. Keep shining.