The Power of Showing Up

I have been an ISACA Greater Washington, D.C. (ISACA GWDC) member since 2017, shortly after earning my CISA certification. Over the years, I have appreciated what ISACA represents: professional growth, strong standards, and a community of people who care about doing meaningful work in audit, security, governance, risk, and assurance. Even so, despite being a member for years, I had never volunteered.

There was always a reason. Work was busy. Personal obligations came up. My calendar was full. More honestly, I have spent much of my life uncomfortable around large groups of strangers. Those situations can trigger anxiety for me. I have learned to manage it well through discipline and experience, but managing it does not mean I look forward to it. My instinct is still often to avoid it.

A few days before Identiverse 2026, I was asked to help staff the ISACA booth. I agreed, though it was a short-notice opportunity. There was a problem with the registration process, so I sent an email explaining the issue and then moved on with my week. I honestly forgot about it. With no immediate confirmation, I assumed it might not happen.

Then, just a couple of hours before the event kickoff, I received a response from the coordinator confirming that I was registered.

By then, I had already made other plans for the day. I had a ready-made excuse to bow out. The timing was inconvenient, the plans were already set, and the thought of going into a large convention environment filled with unfamiliar people was not especially appealing. I debated whether I should go at all.

But I had agreed to help, and that mattered.

For me, this became a reminder of a simple leadership principle: follow through on your obligations. First, it is the right thing to do. When we agree to help, our word should mean something, especially when the only thing standing in the way is inconvenience. Second, people are counting on us. Volunteer events require planning, coordination, and people willing to show up. A booth schedule may seem like a small thing, but each person who commits makes the event easier for everyone else. Third, following through reflects personal integrity. Integrity is often demonstrated in the quiet decisions, when no one would blame you for taking the easier path.

So I went.

I arrived at Identiverse worried about how the experience would turn out. I did not know what to expect, who I would meet, or whether I would feel comfortable in such a busy setting. But very quickly, my concerns began to fade. Volunteering at the ISACA booth turned out to be one of the most rewarding parts of the event.

I had the opportunity to meet professionals from a wide range of backgrounds and have conversations that led to valuable business contacts. More importantly, I got to spend time with fellow ISACA members who were volunteering alongside me. Working together created a natural sense of connection. The conversations were genuine, the support was easy, and the experience reminded me why professional communities matter.

I left with contacts, positive memories, and what may become lasting friendships. One of my fellow volunteers even sent me a lovely letter after the event, which meant more to me than I can properly express. It was a reminder that small decisions can lead to meaningful connections we never expected.

The cost was a little time, a little energy, and the willingness to work through my discomfort. The return was much greater. I gained new professional relationships, stronger connections with ISACA members, and an experience that changed how I view volunteering. I was so pleased that I offered to make myself available for future events.

If you have been considering volunteering, attending an event where you do not know anyone, joining a committee, or taking an opportunity that feels slightly outside your comfort zone, consider saying yes. You may be nervous. You may have competing plans. You may not know exactly what to expect. But stepping outside your usual routine can open doors you never realized were there.

Sometimes all it costs is a little time and energy. That is a small price for new opportunities, new relationships, and a reminder of what you are capable of when you decide to show up.