Home: Northern Virginia. Age: Forty-something. Profession: Nonprofit operations executive. Organization: Good360. Alma mater: Tulane University; Georgetown University (Nonprofit Executive Program).
Current project: Turning my college-bound son’s room into a home office. Latest accomplishment: Retiring from the Navy alongside my husband at the WWII memorial. How would you summarize your professional path thus far? U.S. Navy supply officer turned “do-gooder”. Recent travel or adventure: The Outer Banks of North Carolina; Quebec City. Last book read: Bridgerton, by Julia Quinn (yes, I admit it).
Personality profile: Trusting, positive, flawed. Moral compass: “For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also” (Matthew 6:21). What’s your greatest joy? Laughing with loved ones, Pimm’s Cup in hand. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Great company. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? School teachers. How do you relieve stress? Binge watching “The Office”. What especially tugs at your heartstrings? I just can’t resist a sweet rescue puppy.
What was your first paying job? Waiting tables. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Big Wheel. What’s the best advice you received growing up? You have two ears and one mouth, so listen twice as much as you speak. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Establishing trust is the first objective of every leader. What is your go-to source of news and information? NPR. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Being the mom of a GREAT kid with down syndrome.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Be intentional with your retail purchases. Convenience has a cost.
What change would you like to see in the world? Ranked choice voting. What message do you want to send out into the world? We are more alike than different. What mega-trend most concerns you? The pressure effect of social media on tween girls.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Get Over Yourself. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Melissa McCarthy. What advice would you give your younger self? Relax. You don’t have to please everybody. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? The day I came home from mobilization and hugged my two-year-old. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My high school years.
Personal motto: Love. Your. Neighbor. Especially if you disagree with them. Favorite quote: “When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” (Mr. [Fred] Rogers).
