I began my biennium as Sigma President with one word: Represent.
During my speech at the 47th Biennial Convention in 2023, I spoke about my journey as a leader and the many firsts that came along the way. I encouraged all of you to find ways to reflect, respect, and respond to make the 2023-2025 Organizational Call to action your own.
As I shared in an A Nurse First podcast episode, Represent to me means to find out who you are and what your purpose is. From an early age I always knew I wanted to be a nurse to care for “my people.” As leadership opportunities came my way, I viewed those not as accolades or accomplishments, but as a chance to serve.
Though I was a leader in my professional role from an early age, my journey as a Sigma leader did not begin until I decided to apply for a leadership position. Reflecting on my purpose, I wanted to connect people, to celebrate with them, and to be that ambassador, that person representing Sigma excellence. I wanted to help move Sigma forward in a strategic way.
I have now served in several capacities as a Sigma international leader. Leading in this way has been challenging, educational, and more rewarding than I ever could have anticipated. It has been the honor of a lifetime to Represent Sigma as its 2023-2025 president.
I now ask you to reflect on your own individual purpose and how you want to serve.
As we approach a new biennium and the 48th Biennial Convention in 2025, you have an important opportunity to Represent as a leader in the Sigma organization: At convention, Sigma delegates will elect new international board and non-board international leadership. These positions offer wonderful opportunities for you to Represent and contribute your leadership, governance, and networking skills to advance the Sigma vision and mission.
Three non-board positions are the Governance Committee, Leadership Succession Committee, and Regional Chapter Coordinators. If you are an experienced chapter leader, I ask you to consider serving in one of these positions, where you can lead while also learning a lot about Sigma’s structure and governance.
The Sigma International Board of Director positions include Regional Chapters Coordinating Committee Chair, Director, Secretary, Vice President, and President-elect. If you have substantial experience at the regional or international level, I urge you to consider applying for a board position.
I cannot possibly explain in a paragraph what my tenure as Sigma President has meant and continues to mean. But I will say this: It all began when I decided to apply for a leadership position.
Nominations for the 2025-2027 Sigma ballot are open. To learn more about Sigma’s elected positions, please go to the Leadership and Governance webpage, where you can apply or nominate another for a 2025-2027 organizational leadership position.
I invite you to thoughtfully reflect how you could Represent and help move Sigma into the future.
Sandra C. Garmon Bibb, DNSc, RN, FFNMRCSI, FAAN
President