SHAZZIA KHAN Human spirit is not subject to external circumstances, and that is a beautiful thing The past year has been difficult, to say the to reimagine the way we work and interact with one least; amid times of isolation, loss, social justice another. travails, and learning to navigate in a new environment, people were pushed to endure I find hope because of our employees. They have challenges they never imagined they would face. proven time after time that human spirit is not subject to external circumstances, and that is a Persevering through this past year was no easy beautiful thing. I am hopeful because we have feat, but it is with optimism and pride that I say:learned so much about endurance, kindness, and we can now survive just about anything. 2020 flexibility, and we will continue to evolve our new was a year that was so uncomfortable, so full ofskills and perspectives. It is also a proud moment trials and tribulations that we had no choice butfor our industry, as science will lead us out of this to learn, evolve, and grow. pandemic. I am extraordinarily inspired by our network. As a Foundation Board Member for the NAACP*, I sincerely believe our strong culture was I also find great hope in the fact that racial and the foundation that led us through the past diversity discussions have been brought to the year. Our global operations quickly pivoted forefront of society with pressure and gravity we’ve and adapted, taking every new obstacle in never seen before. Tomorrow looks brighter. As a stride. Our people remained high-spirited, network and a society, the lessons we’ve learned will compassionate, and human-purpose oriented. stick with us, and propel us to do better, and most They truly honed recent opportunities to speak importantly to be grateful for each and every day. up for what is important, to act innovatively, and *National Association for the Advancement of Colored People 11 DARE!