Thank You, Asia! by Nadia Gronkowski

You = GOAT

nadiagronkowski — 2021-08-09 19:49:54 UTC

I owe you like a bazillion hugs, high fives, and thank yous because YOU have taught me so much and been such an amazing friend and co-worker. It has been a true honor doing this work with you. You will be missed <3 But rest assured, we will be keeping in touch. Can't wait to hear all about your new role and all the amazing things you will accomplish with your brilliant, equity-minded brain. <3 Nadia

To the one and only Asia

2021-08-09 20:54:07 UTC

Asia, I have been so impressed and inspired by you and see you as such a leader for change. I'm sad to see you leave Start Early but excited for you and your future and for those who get to work alongside you. Your thoughtfulness, commitment and intelligence make such a difference. -Jess

2021-08-09 21:48:22 UTC

Thank you!!

2021-08-09 22:03:55 UTC

Asia, what a true pleasure to watch you lead the organization in so many ways and deliver for the young children and families in Illinois over the past few years! You are so thoughtful, strong and clear in your point of view, open and just all around amazing. I so appreciate the passion and equity lens you bring to everything. It's infectious. Wishing you the best as you change the world in new ways and grateful to have worked with and learned from you. Ann K.

2021-08-10 00:47:46 UTC

Asia! I wanted to put a crying gif here but then decided that I would shift my mentality to one of celebrating you and your awesomeness! (But I'm still crying on the inside!) I feel so incredibly honored that our paths have crossed, that I've had the privilege to be your colleague, and that I've been fortunate to have learned so much from you. You know you rock. You'll rock it in your new role (I mean, they created a new position just. for. you!). And I know and you know that you will continue to make impactful equity-focused shifts to systems impacting kids and families. Thanks for all you do. And you know I'll find you whenever I come to Chicago for some of that wine of the month vino! ;-)

Cheers friend!
Mina

Cheers!!

2021-08-10 12:31:27 UTC

Asia!!! I am so beyond grateful to have had the opportunity to work with you and travel the world on a random whim! You bring so much to everything you do and it has been a treat to watch you learn, grow and lead at Start Early. You've grounded me on many occasions and have been an ideal partner in the A.R.E. work. Illinois and the policy world are better for having you as an advocate. Thank you for all you've done and I know you are going to continue to change the world in your new amazing role!! Wishing you noting less than unbridled success and happiness!!!!
With love,
Iveree

Go Gett'em Rockstar!

2021-08-10 16:11:25 UTC

Asia!! I am so appreciative to have worked along side you (or found reasons to work alongside you!) over the past year. You are a total champion and a grounding force in all things. I appreciate your dedication justice and equity and really value your thought partnership. I just know you will accomplish amazing things in your next role - it's just what you do!

All the best,
Avery

2021-08-10 20:12:20 UTC

Asia, thank you for your amazing work and leadership on policy, A.R.E., and in everything you do! It has been such an honor to learn from you and work together. Good luck with everything that comes next (not that you need it!) and stay in touch! -Maia

2021-08-11 15:06:35 UTC

Asia, thank you for your leadership and commitment to A.R.E. I am so grateful and appreciative to have worked alongside you for some time. Thank you for creating a strong foundation for Start Early to continue this important work. Wishing you all the best!! -Hannah Glick

2021-08-11 21:17:47 UTC

Asia, thank you for your passion for this work. I always knew that I could count on you to "bring it!" You are a truth teller, peppered with grace and the most beautiful smile. Be well my friend. - Kristie

2021-08-12 14:29:07 UTC

Asia - Thank you for your leadership in advancing racial equity at Start Early. Your passion, dedication and collaboration will be missed. Good luck on your next adventures!
- Melanie Sadur

2021-08-12 15:52:20 UTC

Asia - Thank you so much for your leadership of ARE and the External Strategies committee! I have learned so much from you over the past year and will miss your thoughtful questions, fun ice breakers, and powerful energy. Wishing you the best in your new adventure!! I hope our paths cross again soon!
-Kathryn Robertson

Thank You!

slassiter5 — 2021-08-12 16:30:53 UTC

Asia, Thank you for the leadership you brought to the A.R.E Taskforce! Your passion, strong, knowledgeable, and determined voice and actions will be greatly missed in the External Strategies, Co-Chairs and Taskforce meetings. You made us all think deeper about the work. Personally, you opened my eyes in so many ways, and helped me recognize and examine my blind spots. I will be forever grateful that you expanded my thinking and perspective! I hope that we will keep in touch as you transition to this new endeavor, Chief of Staff, Chicago Public Schools Educational Foundation (hope I got that right?). They will grow as an organization because of your presence, voice and actions. Thank you again, Asia!
All the best,
Stuart

I'll miss you! (But good luck)

2021-08-12 17:03:14 UTC

Asia, you are amazing. Let's start with the obvious. You are a great colleague! You share so much wonderful knowledge and I always appreciate your points of view. I will also miss our informal conversations which always end up with a laugh. I wish you the very best and your new employer is lucky to have you! Please keep in touch. Carmen

2021-08-12 21:39:34 UTC

Dear Asia - Thank you for your passion and dedication to the A.R.E. Taskforce. I so appreciate your contributions. You will certainly be missed. All the best!

Daphne

Good luck!

2021-08-12 22:17:53 UTC

Thanks for all your work, Asia. I know you will succeed in whatever you do. I'll miss your thoughts and the way you think about making change! Take Care. Peggy Riehl

2021-08-13 13:54:23 UTC

Asia, thank you for all of your dedication and leadership on the ARE Taskforce & policy team! Wishing you all the best in your new role! -Sarah Matz