A heartfelt welcome and conversation with our longtime Georgetown University partner and friend Charles DeSantis, whose wisdom, warmth, and deeply human approach to wellbeing have helped shape the spirit of this gathering for more than 15 years. Reflecting on resilience, gratitude, mentorship, purpose, and the power of believing in ourselves and others, Charles shares the moving story behind his personal mantra, “I’m possible and so are you,” and how it has guided both his own wellness journey and his work serving communities around the world.

Charles also reflects on what it means to care for ourselves while caring for others, the importance of daily practices that ground us, and the role that joy, faith, movement, connection, and gratitude can play in helping us navigate difficult seasons of life. Honest, uplifting, and filled with practical wisdom, his reflections offer a meaningful foundation for the days ahead.