Home: Yellow Springs, OH. Profession: Marketing and advertising. Role: Independent contractor. Significant other: My husband, David. Alma mater: Ohio University, Honors Tutorial College (B.S., Journalism).
Current project: Consulting operations researchers and data scientists as they work on a highly complex data transformation initiative. Latest contribution to others: Service on two boards: The Greater Springfield Partnership and the Fennessy + Harden Back-to-School Project. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Moving from the suburbs to the country, where my closest neighbors are cows and corn. Recent travel or adventure: An impulsive post-pandemic trip to Oahu, Hawaii with my 8-year-old daughter and a two-week road trip to South Florida and the Keys with my family of four. Last book read: The Midnight Library, by Matt Haig. Recently viewed and recommended: Station Eleven (HBO).
Personality profile: Determined, engaging, curious, positive, collaborative. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Dedicated. How do you define a perfect friendship? Someone with whom you can share your highest highs and lowest lows, without judgement or jealousy. What is your greatest joy? My children. What is your greatest fear? Regret. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Apparently. What natural talent have you neglected? I was once a gifted dancer and performer, but haven’t danced since my early twenties. What is at the top of your bucket list? A trip abroad (my first) to Portugal, Spain, France, Italy and Malta. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? A body of water.
What was your first paying job? As a concessions worker at my community pool at age 14. What was your favorite college course? Criminology. What movie have you repeatedly watched? Anchorman. What’s the best advice you received in your career? No matter how big a problem or challenge seems today, ask yourself if you are likely to remember the details a year from now, or five years from now. The answer is very rarely, “yes”. What is your go-to source of news and information? Podcasts by NPR, NYT. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? 9/11 and the war in Afghanistan. I’m married to a veteran whose world views and moral compass are inextricably linked to what he experienced during this time.
What change would you like to see in the world?
A central focus on finding common ground. Imagine what we could accomplish if we stopped letting our differences get in the way of positive progress.
What message do you want to send out into the world? No matter the circumstances, everyone deserves kindness. What widely held belief do you reject? That one religious group is right about God and faith. What mega-trend most excites you? The proliferation of green technology. What mega-trend most concerns you? The internet and its effect on the human psyche.
What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Scarlett Johansen. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A pediatrician. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Polaroids of my youth. What advice would you give your younger self? Spend more time thinking about what you really want out of life and don’t limit yourself. You are allowed to dream big. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? A family birthday party with loved ones I’ve lost in recent years. It would be a dream to host a simple family event with everyone together.
Personal motto: Success is not defined by what you have, but what you give.
