Home: Maryland. Age: Fifty-something. Birthplace: New York City. Organization: Leader Inspired. Alma mater: University of Maryland (B.S.); UMBC (M.A.).
Current project: Junior Wai Koa Swim & Paddle Program for Live Water Foundation. Latest accomplishment: Completed the Bay Bridge Paddle, Bay Bridge Run and became a certified lifeguard, all in 2022. Latest contribution to others: Board Member for Live Water Foundation; Secretary of the Board for 2023. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? I’m always up for a big leap and challenging myself personally and professionally. Among many, hiking the Inca Trail in 2018 with my sister and our kids. Last book read: Surrender: 40 Songs, One Story, by Bono.
Personality profile: Calm, intuitive, open. Top 5 CliftonStrengths: Connectedness, Positivity, Empathy, Strategic, Adaptability. How do you define a perfect friendship? One in which you can be yourself, ideally characterized by connection, vulnerability, laughter and fun.
What emojis best describe you? 🧜♀️🧘❤️.
What is at the top of your bucket list? Hiking the Camino de Santiago. How do you relieve stress? Walking in the woods, going outside, stand-up paddleboarding, simply breathing; a hot bath. What is your go-to workout? Yoga and Orangetheory; paddleboarding in warmer weather.
What was your first paying job? Delivering the Star Journal (the local newspaper) in sixth grade. What was your favorite college course? American Studies. What book have you repeatedly read? Women Who Run with the Wolves, by Dr. Clarissa Pinkola Estés. What’s the best advice you received growing up? If you aren’t going to remember it in five years, it isn’t worth worrying about. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? My phone and the ability to text and connect.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Helping women get out of their own way, own their power and not give it away, in order to have a greater impact professionally and personally and to live in alignment with their values. What message do you want to send out into the world? You are the lead and author of your story, and far more powerful than you realize. What widely held belief do you reject? No Pain, No Gain. What mega-trend most excites you? Conscious leadership and activism with respect to humanity and our planet.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Mary Magdalene. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? Either a pilot or an architect. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? I would start with a warmer day so I could enjoy sunrise yoga, followed by a morning paddle and time outside with friends and family, enjoying delicious food, music, storytelling, laughter and dancing. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t put off those hard conversations. People typically can’t read your mind. Learn what boundaries are, how to set and communicate them.
Personal motto: Be brave, be kind, be you! Favorite quote: “Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive” (Dalai Lama).
