From The Ledge to The Summit: Finding my way at the NAPO2025 Summit

One-thousand, three-hundred, and fifty-three feet, high above the Chicago skyline. That’s a quarter mile high! That’s how high I’m standing, waiting in line for my turn on The Ledge, a glass box (including a dizzying glass bottom floor) that extends out from the side of the Willis Tower and nothing but the pavement and traffic below. Y’all, this isn’t me. I don’t do these types of things. Nervous in line I wonder, “Do I have willpower to take that step over The Ledge.” 1,353 feet. The attendant turns to me and says, “You’re next.”

Let’s back up. As the great Austin Powers once said, “Allow myself, to.. intro-duce… my-self.” Hi, I’m Letricia “Mimi” Medina, just a girl from the big, small town of Richmond, Texas. In high school, I was a Flag Corp Lieutenant for the Lamar Consolidated Mustang Band. My first job title was Video Store Clerk for The Video Center inside our local Wal-Mart Supercenter, where you could rent VHS movies, bring them back not rewound and we’d charge you an extra dollar. After that, my career took several turns as I found my way. My titles include: Cashier at Marshalls, Data Entry Clerk at Schlumberger Oil & Gas, Administrative Assistant at Goulston & Storrs LLP in Washington, DC, Lock Box Clerk at Capital One Bank, and several others in between. In 2013, I became an Administrative Assistant to John McGehee, Network Assets Manager at Chevron in downtown Houston. Through leadership support I made my way up the system ultimately landing as a Certified SAFe Scrum Master for Network Assets’ teams. The Scrum Master role scratched an itch I’ve had since childhood, the need for organization in all that I do. It also awoke the drive in me to do more.

In November of last year, I drew from the courage and strength demonstrated by professional organizers in some of my favorite shows such as, Hoarders, Tidying Up With Marie Kondo, and The Home Edit, and I joined the National Association of Productivity and Organizing Professionals, NAPO. And, if I’m to be perfectly honest, there was also the dread that comes from trying something new. The fear of the unknown. The fear of failure. The negative side of each of us that tells us we can’t and we shouldn’t. I started doubting myself and wondering what I’d really get out of this experience.

From my first chapter meeting, in Austin, Texas, I challenged myself to meet and speak to new people. Professional organizers, each working to build their businesses and provide support where needed. Each with a passion to be of service to their various clients.

Through encouragement from my fellow Austin Chapter members, I signed up to attend one day of the NAPO2025 Summit, which took place in Chicago from March 25 to March 28. The Summit provides professional development experiences for organizers and productivity experts. Attendees participate in interactive sessions, and connect with peers, industry leaders and vendors. One minute I was thinking, “What am I doing?” and the next, “I’ve got this, this is going to be amazing.”  The morning of my flight, I was quiet. I kept thinking, “Okay, I can do this on my own.” And before I knew it, I was in Chicago, one day before my scheduled attendance at the Summit. I took the time to settle into my Marriott Marquis hotel room. I eased some of my anxieties by going downstairs to check out the ballroom where everything would be happening. Just doing that small thing made me feel a little more comfortable. I counted that as a win!

Now came the hard part: deciding what to do next. Part of me wanted to just relax in the comfort of my room, watch TV, and take it easy. But another part of me, the one that came all this way, wanted to explore. I called my husband George to check in, and he gave me the nudge I needed: “Don’t just sit in that room all day. Go out and do something. Have an adventure. Make some friends!”

So I did.

There, 1,353 feet above Chicago, the attendant said, “You’re next.” I stepped forward. One small, brave step that reminded me I’m capable of so much more than I give myself credit for. Standing there, up in the sky, I felt alive. I thought to myself, “I made it. I’m here. And tomorrow, I’m going to show up fully for myself at this conference.” This was more than just a trip; it was a personal milestone.

Again, that Wednesday evening, negativity and fear set in.  Social situations can be tough for me, but I remembered the strength I drew from taking that step and I decided to join a group of organizers for dinner. At the lobby, I spotted one of the organizers holding a sign with the restaurant’s name, Apolonia. I walked over and joined the group. Janelle Maguire, Professional Organizer from Santa Cruz, CA, came right up to introduce herself and started chatting with me. She instantly put me at ease.

At dinner, I got to meet Emily Beaversen, Professional Organizer from Pittsburgh, PA and Elizabeth Di Cristofaro, Professional Organizer from Seattle, WA. Emily shared stories of helping clients. Emily’s cool calm vibe made me more motivated to help people who need guidance in organization. We spent the evening eating delicious food, laughing, and having great conversations. After dinner, Emily, Janelle, and I walked back to the hotel together, enjoying the crisp Chicago air, each of us supportive of each other.

On Thursday, the NAPO2025 Summit was in full swing. Starting from 7 AM, I had breakfast with NAPO members from across the nation. Starting at 8:30 AM, I got to hear amazing speakers like Alexander Agent talk about online tools to streamline your business, to Kim & Mike Barnes speak on current trends and the Baby Boomer market. At one point, I had the opportunity to speak to Angela Christensen, Head of the Business Development, for The Nokbox, a comprehensive organizational system designed to help individuals prepare and store essential personal, legal, and financial information for their loved ones. The day went on like this all the way through 5PM. So many encounters to retell but all of them beneficial and supportive.

That evening, I attended the President’s Reception and had an amazing time! I joined the Austin Chapter for a group photo and met even more inspiring organizers, including the lovely Katie Wasserstrom, Professional Organizer from Leawood, KS and I had a great conversation, and she kindly added me to a WhatsApp group with other new organizers. The night was filled with laughter, great conversations, delicious food and drinks—and I even did a little dancing and sang along to some great songs! Looking around the room, I knew I had done it. I had found my people.

Then came my biggest highlight of the conference. I got to meet a personal hero of mine, Standolyn Robertson, from the show Hoarders. Memories of all the times I watched her on Hoarders and dream about becoming an organizer like her rushed over me. She is as kindhearted and caring as she is on Hoarders. We even took a picture together, and it totally made my night.

I did it. I went to a conference on my own and connected with some truly great people. Back when I first booked the trip, I had no idea how special it would turn out. But after meeting all these amazing organizers—even the NAPO President—I realized: I belong here.

On Friday morning, I said goodbye to some of the wonderful ladies from the Austin chapter and captured a few fun moments with fellow organizers. On my way to the airport, I had the sweetest conversation with my Uber driver. I shared my experience at the NAPO Summit and all the various services represented by NAPO. Before I got out of the car, she jotted down the NAPO website and thanked me for sharing something so helpful. It reminded me how a simple conversation can inspire someone to take that first step toward getting organized.

I’m already looking forward to the next NAPO Summit, and this time, I’m determined to stay the entire week. There’s so much to learn, so many amazing organizers to meet, and connections I want to keep growing. A huge thank-you to NAPO, all the incredible people I met in Chicago, my Austin chapter members and to my new Houston chapter members, which I recently joined. Those three days were truly inspiring.

I share this story in the hopes that my journey helps someone to step out of their comfort zone and try the new adventure the positive side of you that knows you can achieve.

Lastly, allow myself to reintroduce myself. Hi, I’m Letricia “Mimi” Medina, Founder and Professional Organizer for the CALM Method an Organization and Productivity company serving the Greater Houston Area. I’m here to help you with your home organization, work productivity, and move-management needs. Let’s continue to build a supportive community of individuals learning to make space for what they want, listen to the positive, set themselves free, and celebrate our accomplishments.