Home: Fairfax, VA. Age: Older than I look. Birthplace: Boston. Profession: Entrepreneur at heart; technology; government affairs, design. Organization: Datavant. Title: Account Executive. Significant other: My spouse, Zachary Dittler. Alma mater: University of California, Santa Barbara (UCSB). Go Gauchos! University of Maryland Smith School of Business (MBA). Go Terps!
Current project: I joined Datavant to support their newly formed Public Sector team! Looking forward to finding new opportunities for growth and partnership with industry and government stakeholders. Recent recognition: My kids told me I am a super mom! Recent professional development: Completed a seminar with University of Consulting on Federal Budgets. It’s vital to understand the process and timing of engagement when trying to work with the Federal Government. Latest accomplishment: Finding the right balance for work, life, family and my personal passions. Latest contribution to others: I've been mentoring a few women through career transition. I love helping others to find their next adventure. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? I just left CLEAR after three years! It was an amazing accomplishment to set up their Federal Government Affairs in Washington, but I look forward to my new diverse role at Davant! Hobbies: Anything active! I love trying new workouts and my kids are high energy, just like their mom, so we're always moving. Recent travel or adventure: My husband and I took our three and six year-olds skiing for the first time, and they were naturals. We had a blast! Last book read: No Rules Rules, by Reed Hastings and Erin Meyer. Recently viewed and recommended: CHIEF! I was so fortunate to launch our Washington chapter as a founding member. Recent unique acquisition: We're building our new home in Fairfax, VA. Can't wait to bring my design vision to life!
Personality profile: Energetic, optimistic, loyal. What one word or phrase would your closest friend use to describe you? Energizer Bunny. Moral compass: Washington Post Test; Loved-Ones Test. How do you define a perfect friendship? Laughter, loyalty and love! Never skip a beat regardless of the time apart. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Trust and transparency. What is your greatest joy? My children. What is your greatest fear? Failing them. What is your guilty pleasure? Hallmark movies and sweets! What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Law enforcement and our military. What is at the top of your bucket list? An international trip with my family. How do you relieve stress? Working out. What is your go-to workout? Circuit training or Zumba. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Sunshine. How do you make time for yourself? I literally schedule it! I live and die by my calendar, so I schedule workouts, personal time, etc., and treat them like I would a meeting I've committed to.
What book have you repeatedly read? Rich Dad Poor Dad, by Robert Kiyosaki. What’s featured prominently on your home or office wall? Pictures of my family. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My parents and my older sister, Jessica. What is the best advice you received growing up? Work harder than everyone else. What is the best advice you received in your career? Your next step doesn’t have to be your forever step. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Personal devices and the ability to work from anywhere! What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Pinterest, for design inspiration. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? In my lifetime, 9/11 and now, the COVID pandemic. What company or organization do you most admire? Amazon.
What is your big idea? I believe deeply in portfolio careers. What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Connecting the world’s health data.
What widely held belief do you reject?
That there is a simple or singular formula for work/life balance! I believe there is always a trade off, it ebbs and flows and it’s different for everyone.
What advice would you give your younger self? Travel more! What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? None. I try to have no regrets and use everything as a lesson learned. What's your approach to diverse professional interests? I'm a true believer in having a good side hustle. It feeds my entrepreneurial spirit and creative side. I own an interior design business on the side and I also enjoy providing advisory services where I have expertise and can add value.
Personal motto: Never settle for average. Favorite quote: “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too” (Paulo Coelho).
