the last fieldnote of the year
Looking back at 2025, this was not an easy year.
The lows
From an incredible bounce back for me in late 2024 after returning from medical leave, 2025 brought with it many lows:
The deepening spread of fascism in the U.S (with its many global ramifications) that stripped away rights, stalled social and environmental progress, and heightened violence and inequities
The vilification of DEI that cost so many DEI practitioners our livelihoods
An intentional break to focus on my health and new learning & community projects that ultimately stalled all traction in my business…
The highs
But the bright spots lifted me out of the chaos — because this was also the year of genuine connection and emergence:
letting go of agendas, structure, and meticulous planning in community gatherings (it can be uncomfortable for some but creates space for much more authentic connection)
doing the dance of co-facilitation and co-stewardship of shared spaces (it’s harder than it sounds!)
leaning into somatic work and creative expression — especially in The Grove — as an imaginative escape and a grounded respite
tuning deeply into community for play, collective resistance, and peer support
diving into change headfirst by pivoting my business fully into learning & community experience design without losing my values orientation
laying the earliest of foundations for an exciting new podcast and community space (coming in 2026!)
There are so many learnings to share on all this, but I’m sure your attention span (like mine!) is waning at this time of the year.
So…I’ll save tidbits and behind-the-scenes peeks at some new projects for next year!
What about you?
Your 2025 may have had more bright spots or more lows than mine. Either way, community is never too far away. Don’t be a stranger if you want to connect over a virtual tea/coffee in the new year.
Sending you and your loved ones lots of care, healing, joy, and rest this holiday season 💛 See you in the next fieldnote in 2026.
Cheers!
Sandra Camacho
aka Sandra By Design (She/Her)
Values-Led Learning Designer, Community Strategist, and Design Educator
