Home: Allen, TX. Age: I grew up using a card catalog in an actual library, and I am an 80s fanatic. Birthplace: Dallas, TX. Profession: HR executive keeping the "human" in human resources. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: Breck Schmidt, supportive and loving husband, father and dog whisperer (aka "the dog thief"). Alma mater: University of Scranton; University of Phoenix.
Current project: Closely following trends in the "Great Resignation/Great Reevaluation". Recent recognition: Our Chief Transformation Officer told me I was one of the best, if not "The Best" HR person with whom he’d ever worked. Recent professional development: Attended various webinars and training courses related to diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging. Latest contribution to others: I have been providing HR related advice to fellow Chief members and tutoring a few college students in accounting, HR and Excel. Hobbies: Reading, listening to all kinds of music, traveling, dancing. Last book read: The Fiery Cross, by Diana Gabaldon (fifth in the Outlander Series).
Moral compass: The Golden Rule. How do you define a perfect friendship? One based upon mutual trust, loyalty, brutal truth, lots of laughs and tons of support. How do you define an ideal business relationship? One based upon mutual respect, learning, encouragement and support. What is your greatest joy? My children. What is your guilty pleasure? Slightly embarrassing my children in public (a family tradition). What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Adventure. Personal passion: I enjoy meeting new people and always welcome the opportunity to expand my network. Let's connect!
What book have you repeatedly read? If Tomorrow Comes, by Sidney Sheldon. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Gone With The Wind. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My mother. What is the best advice you received in your career? Find your purpose and let it be the driving force behind everything you do. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? The internet. What company or organization do you most admire? St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
What message do you want to send out into the world? We were not put on this earth solely for our own benefit, so cast your net widely and lend help and support where you can. What mega-trend most excites you? Social media. What mega-trend most concerns you? Social media.
What one trait do you feel leaders most need to develop?
Understanding that empowerment through inclusion is of equal importance to technical expertise.
As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A Solid Gold dancer. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Sitting around a patio, sharing laughs with my immediate family at some beach house. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t be so quick to shrug off your mother’s advice. She really is right!
Favorite quote: “Get busy living or get busy dying” (Stephen King, popularized by the character Andy Dufresne in The Shawshank Redemption). Desired epitaph: Died laughing, literally.
