BOARD SPOTLIGHT: AMY MURPHY

Learning the history of ICA and its origins has been a meaningful process for me as a new board member. I look forward to exploring how to highlight our history and continue to bring it into our current reality and anticipated future.

I believe that there is a spiritual component of the work of ICA that values the heart of people and the soul of communities, in any form. This is what resonates the most to me.

Amy Murphy is a public health consultant and Certified ToP Facilitator and Trainer based in Milwaukee, WI. She joined ICA's board of directors in January, 2019.
​
Tell us about yourself. What do you do and where are you based?
​I live in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, where I’ve resided most of my life. I consider myself a public servant, and I currently work as a public health consultant, mainly focusing on childhood lead poisoning prevention and maternal and child health. I worked for the City of Milwaukee Health Department for 15 years. After leaving I began working with the National Center for Healthy Housing, providing training and technical assistance to childhood lead poisoning prevention programs in New York State. I also began pursuing group facilitation training and certification to add to my toolbox as a consultant, and I’m now a Certified Technology of Participation (ToP) Facilitator and Qualified Trainer. I’ve fallen in love with the ToP methods and so have my clients!

How did you first encounter ICA?
I first learned about ICA through a ToP Facilitation Methods course in Chicago about 10 years ago. After the first class, I was hooked! Although I had significant experience supporting work teams and providing leadership for task forces and coalitions, I learned that I was doing it without the formal, effective and efficient methods that ToP provides.

When have you seen ICA create really change or impact?
Any time a work team, organization or community is able to have a meaningful conversation, planning or evaluation process and come to a shared understanding I believe positive change is imminent. Engaging disenfranchised community members where inequities exist is where ICA and ToP methods have and can make the most impact.
​
I think of ICA as stepping stones that support groups, organizations, and communities as they navigate blocks and bridges on their journey. 

What are you most looking forward to as an ICA board member?
Learning the history of ICA and its origins has been a meaningful process for me as a new board member. I look forward to exploring how to highlight our history and continue to bring it into our current reality and anticipated future.

I believe that there is a spiritual component of the work of ICA that values the heart of people and the soul of communities, in any form. This is what resonates the most to me.