Home: Tampa, FL. Age: Living my best next half of my life. Birthplace: Roanoke, VA. Profession: Financial services, insurance and membership. Organization: AAA, The Auto Club Group. Title: Vice President, Agency Programs. Significant other: My best life is right by the side of Mr. Shirley L. Turner, III. Alma mater: Bluefield College (BA); Central Michigan University (MSA).
Current project: Organic insurance distribution growth and talent effectiveness. Professional strengths: Setting the vision, strategic direction, entrepreneurship, and distribution strategy. Recent recognition: Recently appointed as Board Member, Corporate Social Responsibility. Recent professional development: Exploring bias. Latest accomplishment: Becoming a member of Chief. Latest contribution to others: Served as a mentor for the past two years, AAA Mentorship Program. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? During COVID, requested to relocate from Michigan to Florida. The relocation provided me with an opportunity to continue to be in my role and meet the personal satisfaction and growth for my family. Hobbies: Travel, reading and community service. Recent travel or adventure: Due to COVID, no exciting travel, but looking forward to Hawaii later in the year. Last book read: Have a New Teenager by Friday, by Dr. Kevin Leman. Recently viewed and recommended: Seven Seconds (Netflix).
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Proactive. How would your children describe you? Through the eyes of a teenager: bossy, hardworking, consistent and organized. Moral compass: The Bible. How do you define a perfect friendship? Loyalty, trust and someone with whom you can be your authentic self. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Integrity and built on partnership. What is your greatest joy? My family. What is your greatest fear? Loss. What is your guilty pleasure? Shopping for designer bags and shoes. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Have you completed your homework? What natural talent have you neglected? Investigative curiosity. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Women leaders who are breaking down barriers.
What three emojis best describe you? ✈️🌴🙏.
What is at the top of your bucket list? Tanzania and Zanzibar. What is your go-to workout? Walking. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Family and friends.
What was your first paying job? As a cashier at Winn Dixie. What was your favorite college course? Statistics. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Funny thing, I didn’t like toys. Give me a loaf of bread and I would find useful ways to play. What book have you repeatedly read? The 21 Irrefutable Laws of Leadership, by John Maxwell. What movie or show have you repeatedly watched? Law & Order re-runs. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A beautiful piece of art by Oryan made with acrylic paint, crushed crystals, ground quartz and translucent micas. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? Mentors along my journey. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Never stop learning. Learning protects you from instability. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Have self-awareness, be patient and listen. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Artificial intelligence.
What change would you like to see in the world? People used to value one’s life and honor their neighbor. Let’s respect differences, culture and one another. What widely held belief do you reject? The belief held by many that women should not be free to make choices about their bodies. Women are not the property of all mankind. What mega-trend most excites you? Digital future; entrepreneurship rising; global marketplace; health reimagined.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? An Old Nonsense Soul. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandparents. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A flight attendant. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Birth certificates, passports and family photos. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my husband, daughter, sisters (biological and friends), Mom & Dad. What advice would you give your younger self? Save. Then, save some more. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The birth of my daughter. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My twenties.
Personal motto: You can achieve whatever in life you want, just remember to help enough other people along the way. Favorite quote: “Do not go where the path may lead, go instead where there is no path and leave a trail” (Ralph Waldo Emerson). Desired epitaph: There was grace in her steps, love in every gesture.
