Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Joe Baldelomar. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Joe, so good to have you with us today. We’ve always been impressed with folks who have a very clear sense of purpose and so maybe we can jump right in and talk about how you found your purpose?
Finding purpose in life has been challenging. Throughout the years I had my setbacks and felt like the world turned upside down, that made me asked: why I am here? This existential question made me realized that learning from my setbacks as well as my triumphs helped me have a better sense of myself and my path moving forward. I understood that “purpose” is not a short-term goal, but a journey! Finding the overlap of what I love and what the world needs (within the scope of what I am good at) helped me find purpose! I practice gratitude; I explored my passions, joined a cause and I spend time with people that inspires me; that has tremendously help me in finding purpose. Being able to help our communities by providing awareness about Alzheimer’s disease and other dementias, educational presentations, support groups and many other services is my purpose!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a Program Manager for the Alzheimer’s Association in Florida. One of the programs that is very exciting and rewarding is our Brain Bus which is a statewide outreach initiative that raises awareness about Alzheimer’s and related dementias. It addresses the benefits of early detection, early diagnosis, brain health, and risk reduction. With two mobile units, the Brain Bus travels throughout Florida with a focus on underserved communities. Last year we had a great accomplishment: with our two mobile units we had at least one stop in each county in the state! If people want to learn more about our Brain Bus and upcoming events, please visit www.alz.org Being able to bring awareness, education, support, information about research, and many more services is what makes my job so special and of course the big PLUS is working with amazing colleagues that are so passionate about our mission: leading the way to end Alzheimer’s and all other dementia — by accelerating global research, driving risk reduction and early detection, and maximizing quality care and support; and our vision: A world without Alzheimer’s and all other dementia®
Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
I am a firmed believer that regardless of the profession you chose, what is really important is to be able to communicate which includes listening, writing and speaking; having an initiative by proactively handling situations and finding answers to questions without direction and being able to work effectively and respectfully with others, whether that be your colleagues or clients. The advice I will give is to be analytical; assess situations, ask crucial questions, consider possible solutions and develop a course of action. Stay humble, be kind, detail oriented and professional! If you want to improve your skills and be successful read and learn as much as you can!
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I am so blessed to have such magnificent parents; the most impactful thing my parents did for me has been teaching not only me but my brothers to be kind, humble and to respect people, regardless of color, sexual orientation, ethnicity, religious belief as we are all humans and that our mitzvahs (deeds) are more powerful than words. My father always tells me that everything in life is achievable as long as we are willing to work for it; and my mother have teach me not to cause suffering to anyone knowingly. It is a perfect combination!
Contact Info:
- Website: www.alz.org; https://www.alz.org/seflorida/about_us; https://www.alz.org/flgulfcoast?set=1; https://www.alz.org/cnfl?set=1
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alzsefl/
- Facebook: https://br-fr.facebook.com/alzsefl/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alzflorida
- Twitter: @alzsefl @AlzAdvocacyFL
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCQ59kDwbjgB-xP4C6y7CdjQ
- Other: www.alz.org
Image Credits:
Photographs are my own.
