Birthplace: Queens, NY. I've lived there my entire life. Profession: Legal technology. Organization: LexisNexis Legal & Professional. Title: Senior Vice President, Global Editorial Operations. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: My husband, Michael. Alma mater: Barnard College (B.A., English; Phi Beta Kappa); Fordham University School of Law (J.D.); NYU School of Law (LL.M., Trade Regulation).
Recent professional development: Enrolled in a Harvard Business School Executive Education program. Latest accomplishment: Taking on a growing global role with extensive travel. Latest contribution to others: Mentoring other women. I’ve learned from my mentees as much as I’ve shared with them. Hobbies: Music of the 80s and related trivia. Recent travel or adventure: Family vacation in London. My son’s first trip outside the U.S. and he was thrilled to see the Tower of London. Last book read: The Power of Voice, by Denise Woods.
What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? From my diagnosis of stage 4 endometriosis, through a series of harrowing surgeries, including a failed colon surgery, to finding the strength and positivity to keep going, which included finding a new surgical team, improving over the course of a year, getting promoted at work and, five weeks later, having a final, successful surgery.
Personality profile: Introverted, analytical, quick witted, loyal, empathetic. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Energetic. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Collaborative, honest, open; curious and creative. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Forensic scientists. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? My husband and son, plus lots of museums.
What was your favorite college course? Shakespeare. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Perfection. What book have you repeatedly read? Persuasion, by Jane Austen. What movie have you repeatedly watched? What’s Up, Doc? What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Lithograph of a Heart concert poster because I admire how Ann and Nancy Wilson broke down gender barriers in rock.
What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? My battle with endometriosis. Coming to terms with my diagnosis, but always advocating for what was right for me. Weathering thirteen surgeries and recoveries. We choose how we face life’s challenges, and I chose to look forward and stay positive.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Transforming editorial work. What change would you like to see in the world? More kindness and grace. What message do you want to send out into the world? Choose to be kind, gracious, and empathetic. You’re rarely seeing all of a person and what they are going through; rather, you’re seeing what they choose to present. Make the space to be kind always. What widely held belief do you reject? That nice people finish last.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? No Period; Semi-Colon. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An archaeologist. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Photo books. What advice would you give your younger self? Resilience and positivity matter. Hang in there, you’ll surprise yourself. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? None. Despite all the ups and downs, all those experiences, and everyone I met along the way, have made me who I am.
Personal motto: When faced with the impossible, look for what is possible. Favorite quote: “And nothing seems to break me / No matter how hard I fall / Nothing can break me at all / Not one for giving up though not invincible / I know” (Soundgarden, Blow Up the Outside World). Desired epitaph: Grit mattered.
