Home: New York City metro. Age: Oler than I look. Birthplace: Arlington, VA. Profession: Lawyer. Organization: Roosevelt Island Operating Corporation. Title: General Counsel. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: University of Virginia (B.A.); American University Washington College of Law (J.D.).
Recent recognition: A smart and competent attorney with many career successes. We are now becoming the leaders in our field. Recent professional development: Dale Carnegie managerial training course. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Transitioning from a criminal prosecutor to civil practice and becoming more well-rounded in general practice. Hobbies: Cooking and entertaining, movies, reading, travel. Recent travel or adventure: Getaway to Sarasota, FL. Last book read: Blue Moon, a Jack Reacher novel, by Lee Child. Recently viewed and recommended: The White Lotus (HBO). Recent unique acquisition: A small property upstate in the Catskills.
Personality profile: Analytic, thinking, introvert/extrovert. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loyal. Moral compass: Ethical in nature, I try to treat people as I would want to be treated. How do you define a perfect friendship? One another’s time, attention and efforts to nurture the relationship are equal, reciprocated and appreciated. Loyalty and kindness are key. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Mutual appreciation of competency and work ethic; team players working towards a common goal, with honesty, and respect. What is your greatest joy? Having a full life filled with loving family, friends, and pets. What is your greatest fear? Failure and taking huge risks. I always say that things will have to work out one way or another, because failure is not an option. What is your guilty pleasure? Good food and wine. What word or phrase do you use far too often? It is what it is. What natural talent have you neglected? My artistic side, painting and sculpting. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Teachers and educators. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Restaurants, travel and, of course, shopping. How do you relieve stress? Time with my dog, long walks outdoors and listening to Sade. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? The opportunity to disconnect and rid myself of stress and the worry about what’s happening at work.
What was your first paying job? Tennis instructor assistant. What was your favorite college course? Social Anthropology. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Monopoly. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Clue. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A sculpture called “The Thinker”. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My mentor in college and my cousin. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Always finish what you start. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Remember that you are interviewing a potential employer just as much as the potential employer is interviewing you. Also, be deliberate and principled in your decisions; your integrity is all that you really have. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? iPad. What is your favorite app? Seamless. What is your go-to source of news and information? New York Times, Washington Post, New York Post, (New York) Daily News. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? My relationship with my wonderful grandfather, a Tuskegee Airman.
What change would you like to see in the world?
An end to racism against black people.
What message do you want to send out into the world? Treat others as you would like to be treated. What widely held belief do you reject? The concept of “Make America Great Again”
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandfather. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An attorney. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A framed picture of my mom. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? I would surround myself with my loved ones and friends and throw a big party. What advice would you give your younger self? You don’t have to prove to others that you are smart, capable, and competent; they already know that you are. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My college graduation. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? Instead of taking two years off after graduating from college, I would have gone straight to law school.
Personal mission: Family and friends. Personal motto: Don’t talk about it, be about it. Favorite quote: “You reap what you sow, so sow good seed” (my great grandmother, Seline F. Ivey). Desired epitaph: What a wonderful life.
