Every Wednesday, we share how Blue Yonder associates DIVE In — their personal stories of diversity, inclusion, value, and equity. Throughout the year, each has offered meaningful takeaways that we can apply to our lives both at work and at home. As we reflect on a year full of challenges, rewards, and joy, let’s look back at 12 — one for each month — incredible lessons Blue Yonder associates taught us in 2024.

January

I’ve heard people express a fear of needles. My reply has two parts. First, I’ve had paper cuts that hurt worse than a donation needle. Secondly, what wouldn’t you do to save the life of someone you love? Would you really not save their life because you were scared of a needle prick that lasts for about three seconds?

– Kathy Machacon, Donating Blood Makes Blue Yonder Associate a Superhero

February

If you notice something out of the ordinary, regardless of what it is, please don’t wait to have it checked out by a doctor. If I hadn’t gone to the doctor right away when I noticed something was wrong, the situation could have been very different. People, especially men, tend to put off going to the doctor for routine appointments. My story really shows the importance of taking care of your health and being attentive.

– Patrick Humphreys, Blue Yonder Associate Shares Cancer Story in Honor of World Cancer Day

March

Inclusion to me is about listening, accepting, embracing, and empowering anyone that comes my way in my life’s journey.

– Swati Malik, Blue Yonder Associates Share How They Will Inspire Inclusion This International Women’s Day

April

As a family with five cats, two dogs, and, until quite recently, a wonderful horse, I can’t begin to say how much joy our pets bring to our lives every day. They are there when we wake up and go to sleep — with the cats often sitting on us to remind us it’s breakfast time and snuggling with us each night. During the day, the furry visitors to my office bring this remote worker a great chance to chuckle and feel a bit of love, and the many years with our sweet horse were truly therapeutic. I can’t imagine a day without fur in my life — and on my clothes.

– Jen McQuiston, Blue Yonder Associates Share Why They Love Their Pets

May

I could log on to a video call, smile, and, for a moment, feel like my old self again. I could be Bryant again in a way I hadn’t experienced in years. I didn’t have to talk about this stupid disease every day the way I would have if I worked in an office. I know I’m not alone in this feeling — for many people with disabilities, remote work can be a saving grace that makes us feel like we’re on equal playing ground. It can make us feel normal.

– Bryant Miller, In Honor of Celiac Disease Awareness Month, Blue Yonder Associate Shares His Story

June

“Who gets to keep their last name?” is something I’ve been asked before, and to me, it’s not a matter of “who gets” — it’s not a set-rule scenario, and it’s not a way of losing one’s identity to another. As part of the LGBTQ+ community, we haven’t always had the freedom to choose due to the societal, historical, or traditional pressure of the past, but now we have that ability. I feel very grateful that I even get to navigate these choices since same-sex marriage was legalized in the UK just over 10 years ago. As a teenager, I wouldn’t have thought it possible. For me and my fiancé, it’s a personal decision between the two of us, with no right or wrong answer — just what suits us best. It’s an exciting decision, with so many options, which symbolizes a start to a long life of decision-making together.

– Holly Linstead, “So, What’s Our Last Name?” Weighing the Options In a Same-Sex Marriage

July

One thing I’ve learned about being a parent to a child with special needs is that every day is different. It also offers a unique perspective and fosters a level of empathy you might not otherwise possess.

– Shawnna Cutforth, Blue Yonder Associate Honors Her Family’s Angels This Disability Pride Month

August

This volunteering experience has taught me numerous valuable lessons. One key takeaway is the importance of perseverance — every athlete crossed the finish line, no matter how long it took. I was struck by the focus and determination of the winners, which served as a reminder that success comes from persistent practice and unwavering dedication. The message is clear: never give up and keep pushing forward until you achieve your goals.

– Naveen Kumar Chintamani, Blue Yonder Associate Fulfills Once-in-a-Lifetime Dream of Volunteering at the Olympics

September

For any hair loss, it’s not just a physical change; it’s an emotional process. Just as we grieve the loss of someone who leaves this world, we grieve our own transformations that come with hair loss. What I learned is that through the stages of grief, we can find ourselves again. We can rediscover our identity.

– Charlotte Diener, Blue Yonder Associate Shares Journey of Hair Loss, Healing and Embracing Resilience

October

Everyone thinks if you have a stroke it is physically visible. You often see people who have some type of physical limitation following a stroke, such as not being able to move one side of their body. But depending on how fast it is caught can dictate the outcome. A stroke can impact people differently and some people have no visible signs that they even had one. I was very lucky because I didn’t have any long-term paralysis. The other misconception is that it only happens to older people, but it can happen at any age.

– Liz Jorgensen, Small Steps and Staying Positive: Blue Yonder Associate Shares Her Stroke Recovery Journey

November

Talk to someone who understands what you are going through. Diabetes is permanent and life-altering, so it can be draining at times. Creating a good support system and educating yourself about it (information is power!) is key to understanding the disease and being able to manage it. This year marks my 10th “plus” birthday, a milestone that reminds me of the uncertainty I faced a decade ago when I was in the ICU. Surviving that challenging time has filled my life with gratitude and incredible experiences.

– JR Fuller, “Information is Power”: Blue Yonder Associate Shares His Diabetes Journey

December

The holidays are a joyous time and equally a time for reflection. It’s okay not to get into the season vibe. The holidays bring different feelings for different people. If the season is difficult for you, it’s okay to find your space and way through by setting boundaries — don’t feel like you have to sacrifice your well-being or mental health. 

– Brendan Rapose, Your Ultimate Gift to Yourself: How To Embrace Joy and Overcome Stress This Holiday Season