Home: Cary, NC. Age: Old enough to know better. Organization: RTI International. Title: VP of Strategy, Innovation, Marketing and Communications. Alma mater: Duke University (MBA with a Health Sector Management certificate); Northern Michigan University (BS, Psychology).
Current project: Leading an organizational redesign impacting 2000 people, critical business processes and accountability structures. Recent recognition: Joining Chief (a private network for women executives) and Punks and Pinstripes (a private network for transformation executives). What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? When I got brave and decided to take control of my career and invest in myself. Hobbies: Nature, lake life, Sancerre wines. Last book read: Rare Breed: A Guide to Success for the Defiant, Dangerous, and Different, by Sunny Bonnell and Ashley Hansberger. Recently viewed and recommended: As part of my recent Black Employee Resource Group Ally training, I was introduced to this informative, powerful, and entertaining video: How To Tell Someone They Sound Racist. Recent unique acquisition: An 1800s gold coin that was my great grandmother’s and my mother had made into a necklace.
Personality profile: ENTP: A “Debater” – bold, creative, curious, quick-witted, agile, no patience for status quo, nonconformist, turns ideas to action, ally to underdogs and outliers. Moral compass: Don’t do anything you wouldn’t tell your mother. What is your greatest joy? The wind in my face and the thrill from going fast in a car, on a boat, down a mountain, or riding a rollercoaster. What is your greatest fear? Not reaching my potential. What is at the top of your bucket list? An Audi R8 convertible. How do you relieve stress? Morning runs listening to audiobooks. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Water, though I recently had an amazing vacation in Utah and Arizona that was mostly dessert.
What was your favorite college course? Gender Studies (undergrad); Entrepreneurship and Innovation (MBA). What movie have you repeatedly watched? Legally Blonde. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? As a first-generation college graduate, my diplomas. What is your favorite app? Wordle and Audible.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Deep inclusivity and belonging – across all categories and in all ways.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Lean into what makes you different and do what you do best to make an impact in the world. What widely held belief do you reject? That America is a meritocracy, and that everyone has a chance to live the American Dream. What mega-trend most excites you? Activism by young people. What mega-trend most concerns you? The rollback of hard-fought rights.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Ashley Judd. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A corporate attorney. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? The safe in which we store documents like birth certificates, deeds, passports, and social security cards. Replacing all those things would be a bureaucratic nightmare. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Boating with my family. What advice would you give your younger self? You are enough.
Personal mission: To live a full life and raise two resilient, authentic, and happy humans. Personal motto: I run on passion, purpose, and possibilities. Favorite quote: “There’s a special place in hell for women who don’t help each other” (Madelaine Albright). Desired epitaph: Fierce AF.
