Leadership, Laughter, and a Place to Belong
This summer, I’ve had the incredible privilege of living with someone who doesn’t just talk about leadership—she lives it. Janneke Ratcliffe, has hosted for NMSHSA since 2018, offering her humble abode to summer interns such as me! She works at the Urban Institute, a Washington, DC-based think tank that drives economic and social policy research to open minds, shape decisions, and offer solutions. From the very first day I met her, I could tell she was someone special—and my instincts were strongly correct. She has been more than just a host to me; she has become a mentor I deeply admire and trust.
I admire Janneke because of how she exhibits her leadership through action. On June 26, she organized a dinner for her former coworkers after their agency faced the threat of shutting down. Janneke recognized the need of creating a space for them to reunite, laugh, and recollect the work they had accomplished together, despite the fact that many of them had not seen each other in years. She didn’t just suggest it—she made it happen. She coordinated every detail, hosted everyone in her home, and turned a frustrating moment into a moment of community and gratitude.
Her ability to naturally unite people and give them a sense of importance is what sets Janneke apart as a leader. She is an open book—kind, giving, lighthearted, and so funny! She shares her wisdom with me, and we bond over the same opinions on all topics. Her pursuit for knowledge and appreciation of different cultures inspires me every day. She was in Brazil last month, and is going to Michoacán, Mexico for Día de los Muertos! On July 10th, she invited the NMSHSA interns and I to a delicious and beautiful Oaxacan restaurant.
I will always remember the feeling that overcame me that afternoon. The feeling of being seen and valued. I'm proud of my Oaxacan heritage, and Janneke's attention to that detail made me appreciate her so much more. The memory of that day will remain with me forever.
Living with Janneke hasn’t just shaped how I think about leadership—it has shaped how I see myself and the kind of person I want to be in the world. She has shown me, day by day, that real leadership happens in the small, often unseen moments of care, connection, and courage. Her consistent affirmation of a successful career in my future has only strengthened my belief in it and for that I am forever grateful. I will always be grateful for the lessons I’ve learned under her roof and for the chance to see what true leadership looks like—lived out with humility, generosity, and an open heart.