Director of Publishing Ali de Groot (center) raising her glass during toasts at the company's 30th anniversary celebration, September 2024
On September 27, 2024, company owners Megan and Sean St. Marie hosted a dinner at the Blue Heron Restaurant in Sunderland, Massachusetts celebrating the 30th anniversary of Modern Memoirs. The following is a toast Megan gave to Director of Publishing Ali de Groot, who marks her 20th year of employment with the company this year, as well.
Ali at the Modern Memoirs 30th anniversary dinner
Ali, although I hope you know every day how grateful I am to have you as Director of Publishing at Modern Memoirs, I am glad to have this day to offer formal thanks for all you’ve done and continue to do on behalf of the company. Taking inspiration from your prior career with English language learners, and with apologies for any mispronunciation, I say:
Ali looking at a statue gifted to her in honor of her 20 years of employment at Modern Memoirs
Ali's dancer statue
Gracias—and specifically, muchísimas gracias for staying! Nothing obliged you to remain with the business when Sean and I assumed ownership, and it took a tremendous amount of generosity, trust, and openness on your part to give us a chance. Your steady presence allowed us to succeed, and your passion for your work enabled us to thrive.
Merci—merci mille fois for the care and skill you bring to your work each and every day. Not only have you shared your beautiful writing with us in myriad ways, two decades have given you expertise in every phase of the publishing process. Your high standards coupled with your meticulous, organized, thoughtful manner, give me absolute faith in your abilities and in your dedication to your craft and your job.
Shukran—shukran jazilan for your downright magical way with potential clients. The strength of your relationships with former clients encourages them to return to us with new projects, and your belief in all we do translates into an extraordinary ability to recruit new writers to the business.
Ābhāra—for the sensitivity, warmth, and patience you bring to your client interactions—even when they pose challenges. It’s such a comfort to know that we can turn to each other at difficult moments, while also rejoicing in the many happy times of connection and joy that come with this work.
Murakoze—for your outstanding mentorship of your colleagues—including me. We’ve all learned so much from you, and that’s because you share your knowledge so willingly, delighting in others’ strengths and achievements, while bringing your own talents and creativity to all you do.
Xièxiè—for your warmth as a colleague and for advocating that we all take care of ourselves so that we can devote ourselves to our work in good health and good spirits.
And now, I’ll shift gears to say, Congratulations! Felicidades! Félicitations! Tahanina! Abhinandana! Twishimiye! Gōngxǐ! and a resounding Mazel Tov! on your 20 years with Modern Memoirs. Here’s to many more!
Megan St. Marie is president of Modern Memoirs, Inc.