In August 2025, my mother passed away at the age of 89. She was a hardworking immigrant who led with optimism, kindness, and determination. My mother didn’t wait for major milestones to show love. She valued the people in her life, expressing affection and care through her consistent presence and genuine interest in others.

Reflecting on her legacy, I was inspired to make the word “cherish” one of my guiding principles for 2026.

Since 2015, I have followed a tradition called “My Three Words.” Every December, I select three words to guide me through the upcoming year, helping me stay true to my values and focus on what truly matters. For 2026, my guiding words are Reflect, Cherish, and Gratitude.

While Reflect helps me understand the past, Cherish shifts my focus towards the present, transforming the insights gained through reflection into heart-centred actions.

What Cherish Means to Me

To cherish means to deeply value something—caring for it with genuine affection. On my 2026 journey, I see cherishing as an active, deliberate choice. It’s not a passive feeling of appreciation; it’s a conscious commitment to recognize and nurture the people, moments, and values that give my life meaning.

My mother was warm and generous with her attention, embodying the spirit of cherishing. By choosing to cherish, I honour her legacy. I am learning that while it is exciting to celebrate big wins—like Women Get On Board Inc. (WGOB)’s 10th anniversary in 2025, receiving the BMO ICON award, and being honoured with the recent I Am Unbreakable® Rockstar Legend award—the true essence of life lies in everyday conversations and quiet moments of connection.

How the Word Cherish is Guiding My 2026

Embracing the word “cherish” in 2026 has inspired me to realign my priorities and focus on what truly matters. In both my personal life and my professional role as a corporate director and entrepreneur, it reminds me to:

  • Invest in relationships that nurture the soul and build community.
  • Celebrate milestones by recognizing the decade of pioneering efforts we have achieved at WGOB and the momentum we are still building.
  • Preserve memories and wisdom passed down from those who came before us.
  • Choose quality over quantity, making sure my time and energy are dedicated to moments, connections, and experiences that enrich my journey.

Transforming Words into Action

I see the act of cherishing as a vital link between my other two words for 2026—reflect and gratitude. To cherish is to move from reflection into action, turning our insights into a lasting legacy that we can cherish for years to come. 

In the boardroom, it encourages us to go beyond merely advocating for board diversity. The spirit of cherishing prompts us to think about how we can commit to valuing and elevating the new voices we introduce—along with supporting the next generation of women leaders through mentorship and sponsorship.

As 2026 progresses, I commit to holding on to my most valued moments and relationships. When we cherish what truly matters, we ground ourselves in our values and ensure that our work—and our lives—are rooted in purpose and integrity.