Introducing Our New Community Storyteller

Erin Navaro

As a Cincinnati native, I’ve done a poor job staying close to my roots…geographically, that is. My English and Peace and Justice degrees from Regis University led me to a two-year commitment with the Jesuit Volunteer Corps, where I taught English in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. I loved so much about my volunteer experience, except for teaching. (This is where I give an enormous apology to my grade school and high school teachers!)

My experiences in different countries, especially my recent journey in Tanzania have all led me in different ways to the same life lesson: the more we embrace vulnerability, the more we will experience connection— connection to other people, to ourselves, to our world. Vulnerability can be painful, but despite all the pain, there is beauty and importance in the struggle. When we experience vulnerability and connection, the more we are capable of living with compassion.

Okay, what’s the connection? I’ve understood the importance of vulnerability when talking about self-growth, or deepening relationships, but until now I haven’t realized the connection and importance of vulnerability in the workplace. My initial attraction to the work at M E Clarke Consulting was its vocalization of the value of vulnerability in the workplace, in team members, and in colleagues. I like this idea of starting small, with individuals to strengthen the common goals and values of the work at hand. I look forward to my work as the Community Storyteller and hope to keep learning life’s lessons closer to my own roots.