Home: Los Angeles, CA. Age: 36. Profession: Government relations. Organization: EKA. Title: Senior Vice President. Alma mater: University of Southern California; UC Hastings College of the Law.
Recent professional development: Being accepted to join Chief, the only private membership network focused on connecting and supporting women executive leaders. Chief’s mission is to drive more women to the top and keep them there. Passions: Advocating for social justice issues, specifically women’s advocacy issues, and helping elect more women. Latest contribution to others: Volunteering in the kitchen at Project Angel Food which combats food insecurity in Los Angeles County by providing more than 1 million tailored meals each year to people in need. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Turning down a job after college at a large commercial brokerage firm in Los Angeles to move to D.C. and work on Capitol Hill without having a job or an apartment in place. I put real estate on hold to work in politics. Last book read: The Paris Apartment, by Lucy Foley. I love indulging in thrillers.
Personality profile: Compassionate, authentically ambitious, genuine, resilient. Moral compass: My values. What is your greatest joy? Family, friends, and Hartley (my goldendoodle puppy). What is your guilty pleasure? Sidecar Doughnuts. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Those who dedicate themselves to giving back to the community. What is at the top of your bucket list? African safari. What is your go-to workout? Pilates, my personal form of therapy. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Ocean views and relaxation.
What was your first paying job? Serving as a Page for the U.S. House of Representatives. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Harry Potter series. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My grandparents. They taught me about love, kindness and humility. What company or organization do you most admire? A tie: Emerge California and Planned Parenthood. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Walking away from an unhealthy relationship and starting my life all over again.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Welcoming more women to the table.
What change would you like to see in the world? Fewer guns and stricter gun regulations; women having bodily autonomy; a full-court press on climate change. What mega-trend most concerns you? Social media, particularly the impact it has on our youth.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Jessica Chastain. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Bob Pivarnik, my grandfather. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Superwoman. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t take life too seriously and keep betting on yourself. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I found out I had passed the California Bar exam.
Personal mission: Creating a more equitable world. Personal motto: Lead with integrity and empathy. Favorite quote: “When you’re knocked down, get back up and never listen to anyone who says you can’t or shouldn’t go on” (Hillary Clinton).
