Home: Atlanta, GA. Age: Older than I look. Profession: Alternative dispute resolution (e.g., mediation and arbitration). Organization: Alterity ADR. Title: Founder & CEO. Alma mater: University of Virginia.
Current project: Running the largest national dispute resolution company in the U.S. led by a woman of color. Latest accomplishment: My company has been recognized as one of the best ADR firms. Latest contribution to others: Working with law students who have an interest in alternative dispute resolution. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Raising capital to launch a national professional services firm. Hobbies: Running marathons. Last book read: Killing It!: An Entrepreneur’s Guide to Keeping Your Head Without Losing Your Heart, by Sheryl O’Loughlin. Recent unique acquisition: A German shepherd puppy for my family.
Personality profile: Determined, warm, creative, intuitive, energetic. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Loving. Moral compass: The Bible and The Four Agreements. How do you define a perfect friendship? Full of grace, understanding and non-judgement. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Bolstered by integrity and trust. What is your greatest joy? My children. What is your guilty pleasure? Spoonfuls of Nutella; Daily Mail UK. What’s something others would be surprised to know about you? I was an All-American athlete. What is at the top of your bucket list? Running a marathon in France. What is your go-to workout? Running or yoga.
What was your first paying job? Bookseller. What was your favorite college course? Southeast Asian Art History. What book have you repeatedly read? A Return to Love, by Marianne Williamson. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Be honest, try your best, be true to your word. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Never apologize for being a mother or a businesswoman. What is your go-to source of news and information? The New York Times. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? My family; the pages of my favorite books; solitary walks through nature.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Making mediation and arbitration more inclusive, transparent, and accessible.
What change would you like to see in the world? Less fear of “The Other.” What message do you want to send out into the world? Conflict is a barrier to progress and growth. We can manage conflict more effectively and achieve peaceful outcomes when we’re at peace with ourselves. What mega-trend most excites you? Airbnb. The gig economy has lots of issues, but it’s exciting to experience creative accommodations other than a hotel. What mega-trend most concerns you? Misuse of social media.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Living Beyond the Limits. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Rosario Dawson. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Toni Morrison. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? A small box containing pre-cell phone era pictures and other special objects. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? I would throw a party in the morning for family and friends, write a brief autobiography, then watch the sunset with my family. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t take everything so seriously, dear. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? My undergraduate years.
Personal mission: Elevating women, peacemaking, and helping those who need to believe in the power of second chances. Personal motto: Be true to yourself, have faith and always lead with love. Favorite quote: “Between stimulus and response there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom” (Viktor Frankl). Desired epitaph: She lived past the edge of her limits and made the world a better place.
