WHAT IS AFGO?
In 2019, Cheryl traveled to Bali, Indonesia, for the MBBI Mediation Congress, arriving early to complete a certification in Interfaith Dialogue. There, she met David “Dave” Joseph, then Chair of Mediators Beyond Borders International. A globally recognized mediator and dialogue facilitator, Dave had worked across continents and shared Cheryl’s roots in social work. He became her trainer, introducing her to the practice of Reflective Structured Dialogue—a method that continues to shape her work today.
After returning from Bali, Cheryl remained closely connected with David “Dave” Joseph, who continued to mentor and support her. Following the killing of George Floyd, Cheryl launched the virtual Leaning In Dialogue series to create a space for open, honest conversations about race and lived experiences with racism. Dave, despite serious personal health challenges, stepped forward to co-train, mentor, and co-facilitate these powerful dialogues.
Unbeknownst to Cheryl at the time, Dave had been living with a brain tumor since before they met. Yet, he never referred to it as a “battle”—to him, it was an engagement, and he lived the next five years with purpose, grace, and unwavering compassion. Even in his final months, Dave focused on mentoring dialogue facilitators across the globe through video sessions, writing, and building a community of practice that continues through Mediators Beyond Borders International (MBBI).
During moments of intense physical discomfort, Dave coined the acronym “AFGO”— Another F* cking Growth Opportunity. To Dave, pain was not an end, but an invitation to deepen strength, resilience, and love. This mindset reflected how he lived, taught, and inspired others.
With his family’s blessing, Cheryl now carries forward Dave’s legacy through AFGO Conflict Resolution Collective. To her, every mediation, facilitation, or dialogue is an opportunity for growth—whether Fantastic, Fulfilling, or, in Dave’s words, F*cking—and a chance to move closer to healing, connection, and understanding.
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