Hello Reader,

One of the responses to my last newsletter really hit home for me (thank you, everyone, who responds to these newsletters with your own reflections - I love our email conversations!).

Jonathan (hi Jonathan🖐️) forwarded me a newsletter that basically said "January is for reflecting, not for resolving" and that gave me instant piece of mind.

If you live in the US, chances are, you, too, got covered in enormous amounts of snow, sleet and/or ice these last days. Here in the Valley, life comes to a screeching halt: Schools close, libraries and the YMCA are out shut down, Main Street shuts down and any working parent is left holding the bag.

I can't tell you how many times I have cursed the weather since we moved here because a week that I had carefully planned out was suddenly consumed by entertaining a 5-, then 6-, then 7- and now 8-year old. And there are only so many hours of sledding that I have in me before I feel the pull of work.

None of that this year.

Less work (hence a lighter newsletter today).

A more flexible schedule.

A constant reminder to myself that snow days with my daughter are already counting backwards. That they are not unlimited.

Nonetheless, I have a few opportunities that I want to share with you:

3 opportunities for you

I'm involved with all three of these events and want to make sure you can attend! I asked for discount codes and early bird tickets to make these as accessible as possible. I hope to see you there!

Feb 5: AI for Entrepreneurial Ecosystem Builders: A Practical Lab (virtual)

This live, interactive workshop is designed for ecosystem builders, AI is rapidly reshaping how work gets done, but in entrepreneurial ecosystems, the real question isn’t whether to use AI. It’s how to use it thoughtfully, responsibly, and without losing the human core.

​Fay Horwitt (WayBuilders) is hosting a live, hands-on lab for ecosystem builders, ESOs, and intermediaries who want to move beyond AI hype and build real judgment about when, how, and whether AI belongs in their work. Participants will actively work with AI in real time, explore concrete examples from the field, and learn practical frameworks they can adapt across entrepreneurs, support organizations, and whole ecosystems.

If you've been wanting to learn how to maximize AI in your ecosystem building work, this event is made for you!

Impact Curator is proud to sponsor the lab! Click here to learn more and register today.

Enter IMPACTCURATOR as your promo code during the registration process and receive a 25% discount!

April 30: WellTold: A Nonprofit Storytelling Conference (Fargo, ND, or virtual)

If you're a nonprofit looking for a conference that will both inspire and equip you, check out WellTold: A Nonprofit Storytelling Conference. The speakers are specifically curated to deliver practical frameworks and tools that you can put to work right away. The ultimate goal is supporting you to more effectively share the stories of impact from your organization or community.
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On April 30, 2026 you can choose from an engaging virtual experience or an in-person gathering in Fargo, ND, to learn alongside other changemakers. Whether you're a seasoned nonprofit pro or a newcomer to the social impact space, WellTold delivers actionable insights.
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From a past attendee: "I left WellTold with immediately applicable tools and a jolt of inspiration and appreciation for the very hard work nonprofits do. This was both a learning event and a celebration - a growth opportunity and a warm hug!" -- Sarah K., Nonprofit Executive Director
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Join me online (I will be facilitating the virtual participant experience!) and use the FRIENDOFANIKA for 10% off your ticket 🎉

May 5-8: Technical.ly's Builders Conference (Philadelphia)

Join hundreds of entrepreneurs, ecosystem builders and place-based marketers for the annual Builders Conference hosted by Technical.ly, the country’s leading ecosystem storytelling newsroom.

In 2026, we’ll gather in Philadelphia — the birthplace of American independence — to explore how storytelling powers entrepreneurship, workforce development and economic mobility. This year’s conference coincides with the nation’s 250th anniversary, offering a fitting backdrop for a conversation about how local innovators are shaping the next 250 years of opportunity.

Early Bird tickets are available until January 31!

Bookish

Here's what I've been reading

• ​The Invisible Life of Addie LaRue, V. E. Schwab: I had high expectations for this one because even the bookseller at my trusted used-book-shop told me "This book never stays on the shelf for more than a day!" Apparently, it hadn't been on the sales floor for an hour when I came and grabbed it. Great premise and certainly worth reading. I didn't fully click with the main character and thought about giving up after the first 80 pages, but still a solid read for long winter days. A mix of historical fiction, romance and dark fiction.
• ​Women without Men, Shahrnush Parsipur. This novella tells the interwoven stories of five women (including a wealthy middle-aged housewife, a prostitute, and a schoolteacher) as they arrive by different paths to live together in an abundant garden on the outskirts of Tehran. If it wasn't the book for our next International Book Club at Staunton Books & Tea (hosted by moi!), I would have never known it existed and wow, would I have missed out! Thoroughly enjoying the magical realism meets feminism (which got it banned in Iran!).
• ​Creating a Salon, Linda-Marie Barrett. Yes yes yes! I love a good dinner with friends that leads to great conversations into the night. This book is a hands-on guide for hosting a more structured and intentional version around specific topics. I can't wait to host my first salon! I'm equally intimidated.

Looking for your next read?

🎁Shen-Anika-ns: My 3 devotions for 2026

Snow day programming

I may have polled one of the teams I work with to see what an ideal snow day looks like for them - given that we're looking at a week of them. Here are my proven top 3 ideas for a bang-up snow day:

1. Get outside first thing: If temperatures allow, I like to go play in the snow first thing. Most kids are too excited to do anything else anyway once they see fresh powder. Layered in long johns, snow pants, gloves and hats we get some energy out first thing.
2. Make a snow day schedule: My daughter loves having a plan for the day so we typically get a whiteboard out and jot down some ideas. Do we ever stick to the plan? Absolutely not. But it gives her a say in what the day looks like and we set expectations around fun and play, as well as necessary boundaries and responsibilities.
3. Have friends over: What does my kid love more than spending all day with me? Spending all day playing in the snow with her best friend! Bonus: Sometimes one of MY friends come over and we sip coffee inside while watching the kids on the other side of the door. Win win!

I hope this issue gives you permission to enjoy life's unplanned interruptions and schedule changes!

I'll be back in your inbox in two weeks!

In camaraderie,

Anika

P.S. Missed my last newsletter? Check out the previous issues of Impact Curator.