This is where I step away from the glow of a computer screen and reconnect with creativity in motion. On the road, my mind opens, ideas flow, and lessons emerge — lessons that continue to shape who I am as a designer, leader, and human. This is where my ideas run!

03.2025

Running continues to teach me valuable lessons about leadership, discipline, and creativity…in how I live and how I work.

It’s more than just miles or minutes. It’s about how we show up for ourselves, for our work, and for the people we lead and collaborate with.

Along the way, I realized that the way we care for ourselves directly shapes how we think, lead, create, and support others. That insight sparked what I now call The KA Love Project, a personal commitment to showing up for my physical and emotional well-being with the same intention and consistency I bring to my professional work.

Recently, I ran Love Run Philly (the race that inspired The KA Love Project), which became more than just a finish line. It marked a season of momentum, reflection, and growth. Taking the time to reflect reminded me that how we care for ourselves outside of work directly impacts how we lead, collaborate, and create within it.

Here are a few takeaways I’m carrying forward and maybe they’ll resonate with you too:

Self-leadership fuels team leadership
When we lead ourselves with care and discipline, we lead others with more clarity, calm, and purpose.
> The discipline it takes to show up for yourself every day is the same discipline that shows up in your work — how you lead, how you create, how you support your team.

When you’re well, you work well
Burnout, creative blocks, and decision fatigue hit harder when we’re running on empty.
> Taking care of myself gave me space to think more clearly, collaborate with more energy, and create with more intention.

Progress > perfection
We often chase perfect outcomes, but real growth comes from showing up, learning, and building over time.
> This journey reminded me that progress — not perfection — is where momentum and magic truly happen.

Energy is contagious…make yours positive
The energy we bring into our work matters. It influences how we connect, lead, and support others.
> As I started showing up better for myself, I found I had more to give — more presence, more patience, and more creativity.

Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish, it’s foundational. Self-love and self-care aren't just personal practices; they’re professional strengths. They shape how we think, how we lead, and how we create.

I hope my journey serves as a reminder that investing in yourself is never wasted. It’s what allows us to show up stronger for our work, for the people we lead and collaborate with, and most importantly, for ourselves.

10.2024

When I run or even just walk around, I can’t help but notice all the art around me — on the streets, buildings, walls, and even the ground. These pieces are more than just drawings; they’re ways of expressing and communicating something meaningful. I appreciate them all, whether they’re made by seasoned artists, those just starting out, or people with no training at all.

My career in visual communication started with my love for drawing, way back when I was a kid. Art class was always my favorite. I still remember how excited I was when I got my first set of colored pencils, watercolors, and pastels. And then the first time I drew something on a computer! That love for drawing led me to design school in Thailand and then here in the U.S.

Even now, when I see street art, it brings me back to those early days and reminds me why I fell in love with this creative journey in the first place. It’s taught me to always keep an open mind, to find beauty in unexpected places, and to appreciate every step of the process — no matter how messy or imperfect it might seem.

So, whether you’re creating something new or just appreciating the world around you, remember that creativity isn’t about being perfect. It’s about expressing yourself, trying new things, and finding joy in the journey. Keep looking for inspiration, wherever it might be, and don’t be afraid to share your own unique voice with the world. You never know who you might inspire.

[Photos are of street art I’ve encountered on my runs and walks. Huge respect and appreciation for the talented artists behind these pieces.]

09.2024

Today, I had the most unforgettable run of my life. I’ve run many races, but never once on my birthday—until today. I thought that alone would make it special, but it became special for a completely different reason. Leading up to the race, I was under stress, lacking sleep, and not eating well. I knew it would be a tough finish, but I never thought I might not finish at all.

At mile 5.6, my foot cramped, and I ended up in the medical tent. What I thought would be a 15-minute rest stretched into almost an hour. Doubt crept in, but my amazing husband supported me over the phone, no matter what I chose to do.

The EMT encouraged me to do what felt right, and when I decided to keep going, she walked with me, giving me the strength to take it step by step. As the streets grew quiet, I was on my own, using orange cones and the course map on my phone to guide me. When I reached a water station, I told the NYCRuns team I was still trying to finish and that it was my birthday — I didn’t want to give up on this gift to myself. Hearing that, they called in the bike crew to stay with me for the rest of the race.

At mile 11, my foot cramped again. I walked, fighting through it, and met the second-to-last runner. We cheered each other on, both determined to finish. Rain fell, my muscles tightened, but the NYCRuns crew never left my side. They guided me through reopened streets, stopped when I needed to stretch, and told me to go at my own pace.

Then one of them asked, “Do you hear the music?” The finish line was near, and they were waiting for me. When I crossed that line, the crew cheered, and tears streamed down my face. To my surprise, the DJ played “Happy Birthday,” and the whole crew sang for me. I was the last of over 4,000 runners, but I finished.

Without the incredible support, care, and encouragement of the amazing NYCRuns crew and EMTs, I wouldn’t have crossed that finish line or held this medal. I truly can’t thank them enough. And to my family and friends who sent their love and energy my way, I truly appreciate you all.

This race wasn’t just about finishing; it was about learning to love and respect myself through the struggle. Even when life tries to knock you down, you can still finish — no matter how hard the journey is. You can be the last to cross the line, and it’s still a victory.

If there’s one thing I’ve learned, it’s that the best gift we can give ourselves is self-love, self-respect, and kindness. To anyone facing a challenge — keep going. You are stronger than you think. (And hey, see how empty the street was? The other runners already went home. )

04.2024

Last week, I had the incredible opportunity to participate in the Women‘s Half Marathon in NYC, an event that celebrates not just women’s fitness but also our collective strength and resilience. Sharing this here might seem a bit personal, but the professional insights gained from such personal endeavors are too valuable not to share.

This race was unlike any I’ve faced before — not because it was my fastest or most competitive, but because it challenged me in ways I hadn’t anticipated. Starting the race, I was undertrained and physically tired, which brought back old feelings of self-doubt and insecurity about my abilities. However, the support from a group of amazing women and men along the course reminded me of an important professional lesson: Vulnerability can be a strength.

Here are a couple of key takeaways that might resonate with anyone, regardless of their career stage or path:

  • Support systems are critical — Just as those women and supportive men helped me cross the finish line, our professional circles — mentors, colleagues, and networks— play essential roles in navigating career challenges. Cultivating and maintaining these relationships can make all the difference.

  • Embrace continuous learning — I’m reminded that growth isn’t confined to young professionals or specific phases of a career. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and evolve, whether you’re taking on a new project or stepping into a leadership role.

  • Resilience transcends the personal — The ability to push through, adapt, and emerge stronger from setbacks is as crucial in the workplace as it is in a race. Each step forward, no matter how small, is progress.

This event was a powerful reminder of our potential when we lean on each other and persist through challenges. Whether you’re facing a steep climb in your next project or gearing up for a major transition, remember: you are capable of more than you think, and you don’t have to face it alone.

Let’s take these lessons into our workspaces and continue to grow, inspire, and empower each other. Here's to bringing our whole selves to work and running this world with grace and grit.

07.2024

As the day winds down, I want to share this post hoping it will bring positivity, spread love, and inspire. I love running, but I am not an early-bird runner. I like to run in the evening – to give myself a little “Me time” and “Away time” after a long day of work. So, I get to see the sunset more than sunrise. Nature's beauty not only gives me a sense of peacefulness, but it also teaches me life lessons that I can use personally and professionally. I get to reflect on myself and what I did. Here are a few things that sunsets have taught me:

  • Embrace closure — Just as the sunset signifies the end of the day, it’s essential to embrace the closure of tasks and chapters in life, making way for new beginnings.

  • Reflect and recharge — The beauty of sunset offers a moment to reflect on the day's achievements and challenges, providing a natural pause to recharge and prepare for tomorrow.

  • Beauty in transitions — Sunsets remind us that transitions, though often challenging, can be incredibly beautiful. They symbolize change and the potential for growth.

  • Appreciate the present — Watching the sunset encourages mindfulness, reminding us to appreciate the present moment and find joy in the simple things.

  • Consistency and patience — No matter what happens, the sun sets every day without fail, teaching us the value of consistency and patience in our pursuits.

    I hope these reflections bring a bit of inspiration to your evening.

    [A few glimpses of sunset I was lucky to see and snap along the way.]

08.2024

In light of the challenging circumstances I’ve seen on LinkedIn recently, I want to share a bit of positivity and encouragement. Today I went for a run. It was rough — one of those days where every step felt like a mile, and I had to take multiple walk breaks just to catch my breath. But as I walked, I reflected on this reality: every journey, whether professional or personal, comes with its own set of struggles. There are times we feel discouraged, question our progress, and wonder if we’ll ever reach the finish line.

But remember, tough times are temporary. Whatever we’re facing — whether it’s searching for a new opportunity, tackling big projects, or navigating obstacles on the path to our goals — we can’t give up. It’s okay to take a break, slow down, or even pause to regroup. What matters is that we keep moving forward. We will reach the finish line, and when we do, we’ll be stronger for it.

Let’s support each other with kindness and love. We’re all in this together, and sometimes, a little encouragement goes a long way. Let’s keep our heads up, keep pushing forward, and remember — brighter days are ahead. We’ve got this!

This was my view today — just a reminder that every journey, no matter how challenging, has moments of beauty and inspiration. The path may have its ups and downs, but it’s always worth it.