Home: San Francisco, CA. Birthplace: San Francisco, CA. Profession: Mentoring the next generation of students, entrepreneurs, and leaders. Significant other: The love of my life and my best friend, Paul Holland. Alma mater: University of Virginia; Stanford University. Languages spoken: English and French.
Current project: On a spiritual journey discerning how best to live a life of faith through contemplation and active service. Latest contribution to others: Joined Paul in bestowing a large gift to James Madison University for scholarships, abroad programs, and entrepreneurship for liberal arts. Hobbies: Learning/continuing education, travel, golf, running, hiking, skiing, biking, kayaking, snow shoeing. Recent travel or adventure: Hiking in Gros Morne National Park and the East Coast Trail. Last book read: The Universal Christ, Richard Rohr.
What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Generous, kind. Moral compass: The teachings of Christ, St. Paul, St. Ignatius, St. Francis. My Catholic faith. What is your greatest joy? Paul and my girls. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Spiritual advisors, leaders of nonprofits. How do you relieve stress? Go outdoors, be in nature, practice contemplation. What do you try to never miss each week? Going to church and walking the labyrinth as a way to express gratitude and become more loving. What is your go-to workout? Running. What ingredient is essential to your perfect vacation? Nature.
What was your favorite college course? Foreign Policy. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Riding my pony. What book have you repeatedly read? The Hobbit, by Tolkien; Tales of Narnia, by C.S. Lewis. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Don’t go into politics. What is your favorite app? Hallow. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Marrying my best friend of now 36 years.
What is your big idea?
How to go back to the actual teachings and life of Christ and some of the greatest saints as role models.
What change would you like to see in the world? Equal access to high-quality healthcare, employment, food and clean water. What widely held belief do you reject? That everyone has to go to college. What mega-trend most excites you? The quiet revolution focused on contemplation and action. What mega-trend most concerns you? AI-screening and the lack of humans in the hiring process.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? St. Paul. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A veterinarian. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? Cards Paul and I have written to one another. What advice would you give your younger self? Make time for spiritual pursuits and service to others that add meaning to your life from day one.
Personal mission: Spirituality and service. Personal motto: Everything we are and everything we have are gifts that we have been blessed with that are not ours to keep but are meant to be channeled to others. Favorite quote: “May you trust you are exactly where you are meant to be. May you not forget the infinite possibilities that are born of faith in yourself and others” (St. Therese of Liseaux).
