Legacy Is a Verb: An Inspiring Afternoon of Leadership, Lifelong Learning, and Friendship

On May 29, 2026; The 'Joyful Living, Happy Life' Program at the San Marino Crowell Public Library welcomed community members, civic leaders, educators, and lifelong learners for an inspiring afternoon with Dr. Trisha Beck and Dr. Denise Nelson Nash, co-authors of Trinity of Leadership: Learners, Thinkers, Tinkerers. Their presentation, titled “Legacy Is a Verb,” invited attendees to explore leadership not as a position or title, but as a daily practice rooted in learning, reflection, service, and human connection.

The event brought together a remarkable cross-section of the community. Elected officials included San Marino City Council-members, Hunter Chang & Gretchen Shepherd Romey, former Mayor Susan Jakubowski, sat alongside residents, educators, volunteers, and retirees, engaging in meaningful conversations about purpose, growth, and the enduring impact each person can make in the lives of others.

For co-author Denise Nelson Nash, the event was especially meaningful.

“Yesterday’s Legacy Is a Verb presentation was a full-circle moment I will never forget,” Nash shared. “In 2012, I supported the 'Joyful Living, Happy Life' Program; a Mandarin Language Workshop and fourteen years later, I was welcomed back as an honored guest, alongside Trish, for the program’s first English-language presentation. Legacy, indeed, is a verb.”

The message resonated deeply throughout the room. One attendee shared that the presentation helped them see themselves in a new light, a response that perfectly captured the purpose behind the book.

“When an attendee shared that they now see themselves differently, it affirmed everything Trinity of Leadership is designed to do,” Nash reflected. “The book invites readers to peel back the layers of experience and living and discover the gems that have always been there, waiting for sunlight.”

A participant summarized the book’s universal appeal by noting that Trinity of Leadership embraces lifelong learning, thinking, and reflection, and is accessible to anyone at any stage of life. That observation reflects the authors’ central message: it is never too early; and never too late; to become the leader of your own life.

Nash also highlighted what made the afternoon so memorable.

“What made yesterday’s presentation truly special was the richness in the room. Elected officials and community members sat side by side, engaging in conversation about leadership, purpose, and growth. Trinity of Leadership is for all of us, because leadership is not a title—it is a choice.”

Dr. Beck and Dr. Nash introduced the book’s three foundational leadership pillars:

The Learner - remaining curious and open to growth throughout life.

The Thinker - cultivating reflection, wisdom, and thoughtful decision-making.

The Tinkerer - embracing creativity, innovation, and the courage to explore new possibilities.

Among those attending was San Marino City Council-member Hunter, who commented:

“Thank you, Vivian, for inviting me to the 'Joyful Living, Happy Life' Program with Dr. Beck and Dr. Nash. Their three pillars of leadership—the Learner, the Thinker, and the Tinkerer—can be applied by anyone who strives to become a better leader.”

Audience member Sophia Chan echoed those sentiments:

“I truly enjoyed learning from both authors about their perspective on leadership. The inspiration from all three angles - being a learner, being a thinker, and being a tinkerer, someone willing to explore new things are excellent pillars to establish true leadership and legacy. I also love their emphasis that legacy is a verb. The recommendation to pause and reflect is especially meaningful. We live in such busy times, but taking time to pause and reflect is wise advice. I am now inspired more than ever to be a lifelong learner.”

Mary Falkenbury also praised the program and its relevance to the broader community.

“I really enjoyed the talk. I think others would have attended if they had known about it. I was thinking about my San Marino Garden Club members and San Marino Junior Alliance friends. Perhaps next time we can help spread the word earlier. Great job and great speakers.”

The presentation concluded with an engaging question-and-answer session, book signing, and lively conversations among attendees. A portion of book sales from the event will benefit Crowell Public Library, reinforcing the authors’ commitment to literacy, education, and lifelong learning.

Friendship: A Living Example of Legacy

As the event organizer, Vivian chan, volunteer chair of the San Marino Crowell Public Library - 'Joyful Living, Happy Life' program for the last 14 years; I found myself reflecting on another powerful theme that emerged throughout the afternoon: Friendship.

My friendship with Denise Nelson Nash spans many years and many chapters of life. We first connected through our shared involvement with the Pasadena Symphony and have since worked together through numerous community service organizations, civic initiatives, educational programs, and even many hot yoga classes.

Over the years, we have celebrated successes, weathered challenges, supported each other’s dreams, and witnessed one another’s growth. What has emerged is a genuine sense of sisterhood—the comforting knowledge that someone believes in you, appreciates you, and will stand beside you through every season of life.

In today’s fast-paced world, where digital communication, efficiency, and endless schedules often dominate our days, this gathering offered a valuable reminder. It invited us to pause. To reflect. To reconnect with ourselves and with one another.

The message of Legacy Is a Verb is ultimately about more than leadership. It is about relationships. It is about the mentors who guide us, the communities that sustain us, and the friendships that enrich our lives.

Looking around the room, seeing old friends reconnect, new friendships begin, and meaningful conversations unfold, I was reminded that some of life’s greatest treasures are not measured by titles, accomplishments, or possessions. They are measured by the people who walk beside us on the journey.

For me, welcoming Denise back to San Marino was more than introducing an accomplished author and leader. It felt like welcoming a dear sister home.

Perhaps that is one of the most beautiful forms of legacy - to live a life that leaves others feeling seen, valued, supported, and inspired to become their best selves.

As the Joyful Living, Happy Life Program continues its mission of enriching lives through education, culture, and community engagement, this memorable afternoon served as a powerful reminder that legacy is not something we leave behind.

"Legacy is something we live every day!"

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ABOUT THE BOOK

Trinity of Leadership: Learners, Thinkers, Tinkerers is co-authored by Trisha Beck and Denise Nelson Nash, with contributions from four additional authors. The book emerged from a shared journey through New York University’s EdD Leadership and Innovation program, where the authors formed a collaborative bond rooted in learning, innovation, and reflective leadership.

The co-authors self-published the book while learning the publishing process together — becoming living examples of the principles they explore throughout the work. Through personal stories and candid reflections, the book examines what it means to lead with empathy, trust, authenticity, and resilience.

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Trisha Beck, EdD, RN, NE-BC, FACHE, brings more than two decades of healthcare leadership experience, combining clinical expertise with innovative organizational transformation. A graduate of Northeastern University and New York University, Dr. Beck has dedicated her career to centering human stories within healthcare leadership and organizational change.

Denise Nelson Nash, EdD, MFA, RYT-200, is a longtime Southern California community leader whose career spans performing arts, city administration, academia, and executive leadership. She currently serves as Vice President and Secretary of the Board of Scripps College and has previously held leadership roles at California Institute of Technology and the City of Pasadena. She holds degrees from Scripps College, the University of Michigan, and New York University, and proudly describes herself as a “professional Tinkerer” who embraces reinvention and lifelong curiosity.

MEDIA CONTACT

Akers Follett Press
akersfollettpress.com
akersfollettpress@gmail.com