15,000 Steps for Opportunity This year, I am participating in Power Moves Chicago in support of Dress for Success Greater Chicago. On August 22, I will be at or traveling to UC Berkeley, supporting one of my favorite initiatives: helping students prepare for their future careers. While there, I am committing to walking 15,000 steps as my contribution to Power Moves. That goal may not sound extraordinary to some, but for me, it represents years of perseverance and recovery. In 2019, I fractured my right ankle in two places and tore my Achilles tendon completely. Two screws, two surgeries, and years of physical therapy with several setbacks learning to walk again I reached the other side...or so I thought. While I recovered from those injuries, the effects never fully disappeared. Years later, I developed chronic Achilles tendinopathy in my left foot and have spent the last year in grueling physical therapy working to rebuild strength, mobility, and confidence in my ability to stay active. There were periods when even a fraction of 15,000 steps felt out of reach. Some days were measured in progress. Others were measured in patience. This walk is a celebration of how far I have come. It is also a reminder that meaningful progress often happens one step at a time. That is one reason I am so passionate about supporting Dress for Success Greater Chicago. Every day, women across Chicagoland are working through challenges, setbacks, and barriers as they pursue employment, financial stability, professional growth, and economic mobility. Through career coaching, workforce development programs, professional attire, and ongoing support, Dress for Success helps women move forward with confidence and access opportunities that can change the trajectory of their lives. As a member of the Board of Directors, I have seen firsthand the impact this organization has on the women we serve. If you would like to support my Power Moves journey, I hope you will consider making a donation. Every contribution, regardless of size, helps create new opportunities for women in our community. Thank you for supporting a cause that means so much to me. With gratitude, Lizzy Diaz-Ortiz