Home: Keizer, OR. Birthplace: Salem, OR. Profession: Commercial real estate appraiser. Alma mater: Oregon State University; Portland State University.
Current project: Writing a series of children’s books centered on positive messages. Recent recognition: Pursuing a second career in commercial real estate appraisal. Latest contribution to others: Visit a senior living facility to check in with residents and play the piano. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Pursuing a new career in an area where I had no prior experience. Hobbies: Playing the piano. Recent travel or adventure: Diving the Blue Hole in Belize. Recent unique acquisition: My grandchild.
Personality profile: Joyful and enthusiastic. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Optimistic. Moral compass: I strive to live according to God’s principles. How do you define a perfect friendship? Mutual trust and confidence, with the assurance that you will be there for each other when it matters most. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Grounded in trust, with partners who share the same values and objectives. What is your greatest joy? Time with family. What is your greatest fear? Experiencing a tragedy that affects a family member or close friend. What is at the top of your bucket list? Publishing a children’s book and going on a book tour.
What was your favorite childhood toy or game? My dolls. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? A large canvas of a photo I took in Maui. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My husband. What’s the best advice you received growing up? It’s better to be kind than right (my grandmother). What’s the best advice you received in your career? In the scheme of things, it’s a small problem. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Portable electric keyboard. What is your favorite app? A metronome app.
What is your big idea?
Spread kindness like the butterfly effect: small acts creating ripples of positive impact in the lives of others.
What message do you want to send out into the world? No matter what is happening in your life, the best is yet to come. What mega-trend most excites you? Rapidly advancing science of aging and longevity. What mega-trend most concerns you? The rise of brain-computer interface technology.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? The Best is Yet to Come. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A teacher. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, telling them how much I love and appreciate them. What advice would you give your younger self? Trust God’s timing. What feels difficult now is part of a bigger, better plan. It will make more sense when looking back. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? Any of the precious days when my children were young.
Personal mission: To live with purpose, love deeply, and make a positive difference. Personal motto: Every day can be a great day. Favorite quote: “You cannot put more time into your life, but you can put more life into your time” (proverb).
