“Leadership is not just some empty formulas but establishing deep connection at soul levels through service, integrity, passion, perseverance and equanimity.” Amit Ray
Dear Awaken Community,
Last month, I began sharing reflections on what it means not just to teach mindfulness, but to live it—as a leader and as an organization. I shared a glimpse of my nearly nine-year journey of leading Awaken Pittsburgh with the intention of embodying the values I hold dear: compassion, presence, and care.
This month, I want to offer a deeper look at what this commitment means in practice–how mindful leadership, collaboration, communication, operations, and organizational culture shape our day-to-day work. Because being a mindful organization isn't just an aspiration; it influences the nitty gritty of what we do. It shows up in the structures, habits, and small choices we make every day.
Mindful Leadership
I work hard to bring mindfulness into my leadership. As a mindful leader, I strive to model vulnerability rather than authority, choose reflection over reaction, and lead with curiosity instead of assumption. That’s not always easy—especially in the face of uncertainty, pressure, and limited resources. But I keep returning to this intention to stay rooted in my values and maintain the overall integrity of Awaken.
It is with this in mind that I invite you to join us for Coffee Break for Mindful Leaders on Friday, June 27th—a space to pause, reflect, and connect with others committed to mindful leadership. Details are below. I’m deeply grateful to walk this path alongside those who believe in it, too.
Mindful Collaboration
While, in the end, I am the final decision maker and embrace accountability, our leadership structure was intentionally crafted to hold space for shared wisdom, transparency, and trust. This requires a true commitment to collaboration on my end–acknowledging where I fall short, inviting folks to the table who have the skills and talents I lack, and remaining open to growth. It also means listening deeply—to my team, to our partners, and to the communities we serve–and working to not be the loudest voice in the room (which is sometimes hard as the founder).
Mindful Communication
The way we interact, share space, and communicate with one another should integrate the principles of mindful communication. We treat meetings not just as tasks to get through, but as opportunities to practice presence together. We open with a moment of stillness or grounding—not performatively, but to remind ourselves that how we show up and come together matters. Taking that pause at the start allows us to set aside other worries or distractions and be fully present for each other. We also aim to create space for every voice and use consensus-building rather than majority rule. And we commit to the sometimes uncomfortable, yet always necessary, work of deep listening.
Mindful Operations
A really important area for a business is its bottom line—whether you are a for-profit or not-for-profit, there is no fulfilling the mission if there is no money! However, I remain committed to building our organization in a way that keeps equity and justice at the forefront. This is an area where we’re still on the journey. As a small nonprofit, we don’t yet have the resources to offer full benefits to our staff, and that weighs heavily on me. But we are committed to honest conversations about pay equity, transparency, and recognizing the real cost of emotional labor and lived experience. Mindfulness, to me, means turning toward these hard truths—not avoiding them—and doing what we can, with integrity and care.
Mindful Organizational Culture
Another way that we are trying to embed a more mindful approach into our organization building is through the policies we create and enact. In a world that prioritizes speed, output, and perfectionism, a mindful organizational culture requires deliberate slowing down. It means putting people before productivity and asking hard questions: Do our policies reflect our values of compassion, justice, and equity? Are we building systems of care—or replicating harm? We don’t always get it right, but we keep coming back to our values as a compass.
This work is not quick or easy. It is a daily, deliberate practice—individually and collectively. And I am so grateful to walk this path with those of you who believe in it too.
Next month, I’ll reflect on how mindfulness helps us hold space for change, conflict, and growth—with presence and resilience. Until then, I invite you to take a pause today, wherever you are, and ask: Where can I bring more presence, compassion, or curiosity into my own leadership or work?
Thank you for being part of this unfolding story. Your presence matters here.
With much appreciation and care, Stephanie
Please join us as we explore these topics with local experts, mindfulness practitioners, and everyday folks all trying to make themselves and the world around us the best they can be.
In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, host Stephanie Romero and guest Shawn Meredith explore how mindfulness and empathy can transform leadership from the inside out. Shawn shares his personal journey into mindfulness and how it informs his work with organizational leaders, emphasizing the power of presence, vulnerability, and emotional awareness. Together, they highlight the importance of self-reflection and empathy in building trust, navigating complexity, and fostering healthier team cultures.
Quick Poll: Which Name Speaks to You?
We’re growing beyond Pittsburgh and we need your help! In less than 60 seconds, you can vote on a new name that better reflects our expanded reach while staying true to our mission of mindfulness and compassion. The survey is open for the next two weeks, so don’t miss your chance to help shape our future!
Coffee Break for Mindful Leaders is a monthly lunchtime drop-in session for leaders who want to cultivate mindfulness in their personal and professional lives. Held at noon on the last Friday of every month, each session features a guided mindfulness practice, a brief discussion on a relevant topic, and an open forum for sharing and "ask anything" time. These sessions provide a supportive and inspiring community for leaders who understand the unique challenges of leadership and seek to lead with presence, resilience, and compassion.
Led by Dr. Stephanie M. Romero, founder and Executive Director of Awaken Pittsburgh, these sessions are designed to offer a space where leaders can find connection, encouragement, and tools for navigating the demands of leadership. As someone who intimately understands the isolation and pressures of leadership, Stephanie brings both expertise and empathy to help participants feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Each session includes: - A guided mindfulness practice tailored for leaders - A discussion on relevant leadership and work-life balance topics, as well as practical tools for navigating the demands of leadership - An open forum for sharing, reflection, and “ask anything” time, feel seen, supported, and empowered.
Sharpening Minds with Mindfulness: Clear Work July 29,2025
Join us on July 29, 2025 for our second worksop in this partnership with COhatch.
Sharpening Minds with Mindfulness: Clear Mind, Clear Work A cluttered mind can lead to stress and inefficiency. This session introduces mindfulness techniques to enhance focus, clarity, and productivity at work. Learn how to cultivate mental sharpness, reduce distractions, and bring greater presence to your tasks, leading to improved performance and well-being.
We invite you to access a specially curated meditation that emphasizes the role of kindness in deepening your practice. Whether you're a beginner or seasoned practitioner, you can join us either in-person or online.
Take a Look at Some Offerings From Our Community Partners
We will all die one day. Acknowledging this truth can better help us to show up for our own lives right now. Join meditation guide, Helen Stickney, and sound healer, Leza Vivio, on a journey of exploring your own mortality. A combined sound bath and guided visualization will gently lead participants through visualizing their own death process, afterlife journey, and rebirth.
Join us for our first EVER Summer Wellness Retreat Day! This will be an all-day event featuring special guest healers from all over Pittsburgh. Thank you to Metta: A Healing Arts Community for hosting us!
Cost: $100 per person for the full day or $25 per session Includes yoga, breathwork/ meditation, drum circle, kirtan/ chanting, and other holistic services.
Also featured: Peace of Time Wellness Director Charles Dees on Chair Massage and Jenny Dee Astrology for personal tarot and astrology readings.
Plan a full day of joy, healing, and restoration as we prepare for the Summer Solstice, a time of positive transformation! We can't wait to spend this beautiful day with you!
Awaken Pittsburgh relies on the generosity of our community members. Your support allows us to continue offering mindfulness programs and workshops. Consider donating or volunteering your time to help us thrive.
The topic of Welcoming in Mindful Connections in Community will be the focus of our online forum in March. You can utilize the forum to connect with others and join discussions about podcast episodes. Share insights, ask questions, and explore the ripple effect of awareness within our community.
Our small but mighty operation is made possible through a team of dedicated, part-time staff and a large network of volunteers and supporters like you.
Awaken Pittsburgh, a 501c3 non-profit organization, relies on the generosity of our community to achieve our mission of fostering well-being, empathy, and compassion for all. Your support helps mindfulness practitioners reach individuals across the Greater Pittsburgh Area through evidence-based programs, activities, and events.
Every life changed was made possible with the help of donors—like you–grantors, community partners, and dozens upon dozens of
volunteers. This is a team effort! We hope you will consider supporting our organization today by becoming a monthly donor or by making a gift in an amount that feels meaningful to you.
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In this episode of the Ripple Effect Podcast, host Stephanie Romero and guest Shawn Meredith explore how mindfulness and empathy can transform leadership from the inside out. Shawn shares his personal journey into mindfulness and how it informs his work with organizational leaders, emphasizing the power of presence, vulnerability, and emotional awareness. Together, they highlight the importance of self-reflection and empathy in building trust, navigating complexity, and fostering healthier team cultures.
