.056 Nadia Petschek Rawls

Working at TED was a wonderful privilege, primarily because of the folks I got to work with everyday. One of those phenomenal people was Nadia. We were never on the same team, nor did we spend too much time together in meetings or on projects, however, Nadia stood out to me then, and still, as one of the kindest and smartest that I was able to cross paths with.

Nadia never failed to be compassionate in her role, always willing to stop for a couple minutes and answer a question I might have, or explain something she was working on. In doing so, she indirectly taught me and others about so much, always because of this innate eloquence she has and ability to include people effortlessly. My guess is that having her as a manager would be encouraging, helpful, and open a lifetime of learning and support. Nadia really just is such a sweet person, someone whose success I am always so happy to see and that I celebrate.

Nadia, thank you so much for being a good and wonderful human being. Thank you for your support and respect as a colleague at TED and for so clearly leading your life with those values and more. Thank you for always standing up for what’s right and for doing so in a way that allows others to join you, stand up with you, and elevate the idea or cause. I’m so grateful we met those years ago and it’s a true joy to have you in my life, even just for a phone call every few years :) Thank you for being exactly who you are.

-BD