Home: Chicago, Illinois. Age: The #1 song on the charts when I was born was Hey Jude. Birthplace: Chicago, Illinois. Profession: Business owner, information and technology services. Organization: RL Canning. Title: Co-founder and Managing Partner. Preferred pronouns: Señiorita. Significant other: Greg, the hubster. Alma mater: University of Illinois at Chicago. Languages spoken: UNO. I speak Spanglish.
Current project: Supporting women in health. Recent recognition: Grateful to work and support women become better versions of themselves. I am often told that I bring sunshine into their lives and encourage them to hit goals outside their comfort zones. My health journey has saved lives. Latest accomplishment: I'm really proud of the impact and influence I have on others. Life always presents challenges, but we have a choice as to how we respond. I encourage women to stop telling themselves a false narrative. Latest contribution to others: I love being a part of my church community and volunteering with 2 – 5 year olds. Faith is a huge part of my life. I also love working with the High School Women in Business Board. It's a joy collaborating with these curious and ambitious young women. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Starting RL Canning over twenty years ago. Hobbies: Gardening; inspiring women to achieve wellness goals. Recent travel or adventure: Drove our convertible through the Great Smokey Mountains. Last book read: Talking to Strangers, by Malcolm Gladwell. Recently viewed and recommended: Dexter. Recent unique acquisition: Our convertible. Nothing like driving in a cool convertible on a hot sunny day.
Personality profile: Inspiring, funny, generous. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Thoughtful. Moral compass: Do the right thing even when no one is watching. How do you define a perfect friendship? My chosen sisters are loving, loyal and we are there for one another during sunny and rainy days, always. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Partnerships where both parties win to achieve a common goal. What is your greatest joy? My family. What is your greatest fear? Losing my loved ones. What is your guilty pleasure? Ice cream. What natural talent have you neglected? Singing. I've been held back by fear. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Hip Hop dancers and oncologists.
What three emojis best describe you? 💪💃🙏.
What is at the top of your bucket list? Creating a wellness weekend for women; becoming a key note speaker. How do you relieve stress? Exercise and laughing with my gal pals. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Beach, sun and a tribe of humans that love to laugh. What is your go-to workout? Crossfit and running.
What’s featured prominently on your home or office wall? Pictures of fun memories at our lake house. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My husband. What is the best advice you received growing up? Choose your friends wisely because birds of a feather flock together. What is the best advice you received in your career? If you are the smartest person in the room, you’re in the wrong room. Advance your own learning. Always stay curious. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Cell phone. What is your favorite app? Podcast and Spotify. What is your go-to source of news and information? CNN; Fox; the Today Show. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Instagram. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? Covid. These last three years remind us NOT to take life for granted, of the importance of health and the fragility of life. What company or organization do you most admire? Chief. These ladies are unbelievable. I am enjoying speaking with high achieving women that have the courage to share their human side as well as their vulnerability.
What is your big idea? Promoting health as a lifestyle (it's the mind shift that makes a huge difference). What change would you like to see in the world? All humans are entitled to organic and healthy foods. Diabetes, depression and chronic disease are at an all time high due to the abundance of processed foods. It’s not a punishment to eat healthy and sugar is not love. What message do you want to send out into the world? The greatest wealth is health. How you take care of your body is a reflection of self respect. What widely held belief do you reject? “You’re too old to [...]". What mega-trend most excites you? Functional medicine and health wearables. What mega-trend most concerns you? The obsession with technology. The art of conversation is getting lost, amongst adults as well as children.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Peanut Butter Pancakes. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Jennifer Lopez. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My mom. I lost her when I was 29 and miss her every day. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A social worker. What object would you first save from your burning home? After my family and my dog, the jewelry given to me by my husband and my mother. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? On a boat with my husband and my boys ,watching them surf. What advice would you give your younger self? Failure is a good thing. Try lots of things and don’t freak out. Consistent hard work always pays off. What day in your life would you like to re-live? My wedding. We were married in Puerto Rico during a hurricane, so I'd like to do it again in better weather. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? College. I wish I could have gone to a really awesome school, but I had to pay for it.
Personal mission: “In a world where you can be anything, be kind.” Personal motto: “If it doesn’t challenge you, it doesn’t change you.” Favorite quote: "You will face many defeats in life, but never let yourself be defeated" (Maya Angelou). Desired epitaph: Don’t be sad, I’m spiritually here. Go have fun and have a beer.
