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� Reciprocity and Heart: �A Path to Collaborative and Inclusive Leadership��Valerie A. Luzadis, Founder�Heart Forward Science�SUNY ESF��

NYSAR 36^th Annual Conference & Trade Show

Opening Plenary

November 13, 2025

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INTRODUCING MYSELF

I am a mother, sister, daughter, partner, friend, and citizen of the Earth and I come from a long line of master soup makers, natural gardeners, and wise women.

I am a first-gen college graduate, now a scientist and policy practitioner with experience working in higher education senior administration and leading NGOs.

I founded Heart Forward Science to support the development of holistic knowledge through a balance of intellect, imagination, and intuition to advance equitable, sustainable scientific outcomes.

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OPENING

Gratitude
Setting intent
Joining together in heart and mind

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THE POWER OF �HEART IN SCIENCE & SUSTAINABILITY

Relationship as foundation: self, others, nature
Intertwining imagination, intuition, and intellect for greater and more sustained impact
Collaborative creating for more inclusive and effective scientific practice
Beautiful and rewarding

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Relationship between two or more�
Communication in both directions�
Empathetic listening

RECIPROCITY

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ENGAGING WITH RECIPROCITY AND HEART IN COLLABORATIONS

Self-confidence with humility and humanity

Thinking with the heart and

feeling with the mind

Impactful, compassionate, humble, respectful

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�IMAGINATION, INTUITION, AND INTELLECT

Imagine a world where…

Intuition – direct knowledge, not derived analytically

Intertwining the three

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�

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Science and sustainability with greater innovation and collaborative possibilities
A clear path forward toward impact and fulfillment
Empowerment and recognition
Alignment with personal values

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THANK YOU

Valerie A. Luzadis, Founder�Heart Forward Science�SUNY ESF

https://heartforwardscience.com

vluzadis@esf.edu