In my initial conversation with DiabetesSisters' staff about starting a local PODS Meetup group, one of the first things they mentioned was their annual Leadership Institute and how important they felt it was for PODS Leaders to attend. To say that I spent months eagerly anticipating that weekend is an understatement! I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to attend. That remarkable weekend left me inspired and motivated both for my work leading a PODS Meetup for DiabetesSisters and to reach my personal goals.

I have been fortunate to participate in leadership training with other organizations, and rarely have I ever left feeling fulfilled personally and professionally; usually, one part of me finds what it needs, but the other is left empty. That was so not the case at DiabetesSisters Leadership Institute! There were sessions that provided a deeper understanding of the amazing work that this small (but oh so mighty!) organization does, discussions on what it is like living with diabetes, and lots of activities to help us attain our goals as leaders in the organization.

"D-Mister" Shawn Shepheard was the highlight of the weekend for me. Shawn, a leadership coach, facilitated the weekend and presented training on leadership and how to get to our goals. I have been involved in goal setting before—I even have to set SMART goals for my job—but Shawn's dynamic personality and creative presentation made making a plan easy, attainable, and, probably most importantly, fun! Shawn also led two panels of PODS Leaders that were informative, funny, and heartfelt. I was honored to serve on a panel, which allowed me to find my own voice as a new leader and also allowed me to take ownership of my diabetes.

Another powerful part of the weekend for me was discussing goals and sharing successes of our PODS groups with other new leaders. It was very helpful to hear that despite being located in different parts of the country - in big cities, suburbs, or small towns - we are all facing similar situations when it comes to growing our PODS Meetups. Our structured conversation quickly grew into a free-flowing, brainstorming session of ways we can grow and improve our groups. I think that each attendee left having provided and received a great deal of support and encouragement in some way or another.

Best of all, though, was the sense of sisterhood felt throughout the entire weekend. Whether it was positive comments in a session, amazing conversation around yummy and healthy meals, or the motivation received from veteran leaders, the weekend was filled with love, support, and encouragement. Which is exactly what I have come to know from DiabetesSisters and why I am so happy and proud to serve as a volunteer leader. What was clear from multiple conversations was how much working with DiabetesSisters has changed the lives of the PODS Leaders, inspiring us to be more confident and empowered as we manage our own health. As a new leader, I was a little apprehensive about finding my people--which seems silly since literally, every woman I have met through DiabetesSisters, from the staff to other leaders, to the women in my PODS Meetup are the most kind and caring women. Still, I left with 30 new sisters and a deep support network.

Sara P is a PODS Leader in South Riding / Chantilly, VA.