Home: Long Beach, CA. Age: 40. Profession: Fashion & Events. Organization: Seacret Direct. Title: VP, Brand Strategy. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Alma mater: University of Mississippi.
Current project: Launching a new company around both beginnings and ends, specifically for women. Recent recognition: That our community loved and believed in me so much they would follow me anywhere! WOW! Recent professional development: Speaking in front of 4,000 people. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Learning to believe in myself when no one else did! Recent travel or adventure: Santa Fe. While not exotic, the landscape was both irreverent and spiritual. Last book read: The High Five Habit, by Mel Robbins. Recently viewed and recommended: Nike’s 3D Air Max Billboard in Japan.
Personality profile: Determined, adventurous, loyal. What is your greatest joy? My two boys. What natural talent have you neglected? Writing. What is at the top of your bucket list? Taking a big, challenging trip alone to either Egypt or India.
What book have you repeatedly read? The Bible. Who has had the greatest influence on your life? My cousin, who is self-made and fiercely independent, yet always surrounded by an amazing community. What is the best advice you received growing up? You CAN do it all eventually, just not all at the same time. What is the best advice you received in your career? Listen in order to understand, not just to formulate a response. What is your favorite app? Chief. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? Traveling to new places.
What is your big idea? If everyone had to wear their trauma or their vulnerabilities like a name tag, even for a day, we might begin to relate and empathize with each other, rather than categorize and stereotype. What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? That professional women should come to understand that emotion is power, not weakness. What change would you like to see in the world? Less divisiveness and divide; more debate and compromise. What message do you want to send out into the world? It takes a village.
What widely held belief do you reject? That, as a woman, you have to be cold, ruthless or emotionless in order to be successful. What mega-trend most excites you? The examination of the university system as a primary path to success.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Jesus. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A marine biologist. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? I would spend the day eating, drinking and enjoying nature in the mountains with my boys, my family and my closest friends. What advice would you give your younger self? 99% of the things you will worry about will never happen, so worry less, enjoy more. What day in your life would you like to re-live? The birth of my first son. It was absolutely earth-shattering to feel such an intense love for the first time. What period in your life would you do differently, if you could? College.
Personal mission: To promote women to live in their strengths while being their true selves, not just a portrayal of what society deems acceptable or appropriate.. Personal motto: Progress over perfection. Favorite quote: “Your I CAN is more important than your IQ” (Robin Sharma).