Home: Valmeyer, IL. Age: 42 in body, 25 in spirit. Birthplace: Granite City, IL. Profession: Experiential and event enthusiast. Organization: MC2. Title: Senior Strategic Business Development Director. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers. Significant other: My husband, Kevin. Alma mater: McKendree University.
Recent recognition: My son told me the other day that I’m the best Mom ever. I dare to say that there is no higher honor. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? I left a company in April 2022 that I had been with since I was 23. For so long, part of my identity (at least my career identity,) was tied up in a place where it shouldn’t have been. I didn’t realize it until I walked out and truly started to understand and realize my value. Hobbies: I love to garden. I love to swim. I love to hike. I love to go on Jeep rides. I love to play baseball with my kids. Recent unique acquisition: I have had my great grandparents’ Victrola for over four years and recently got it repaired. I can remember listening to records on it when I was a kid and now can play records on it for my kids. It’s about 125 years old, so it’s exciting to pull out some of the original records as well.
Personality profile: Witty, creative, outgoing, easily distracted. How do you define a perfect friendship? Comfortable, hilarious, honest, forgiving, flexible. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Mutually respectful and collaborative. What is your greatest joy? Spending time with my family. What natural talent have you neglected? I love to sing and am pretty good at it, but don’t do it as often as I would like (except in the car). What is at the top of your bucket list? Well, this is an easy one: Italy, Italy, Italy. What is your go-to workout? My Peloton. It stares at me all day from my home office and I instantly feel better after a ride/workout.
What was your favorite college course? American History: Division & Reunion. Or, Poetry. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Cops & Robbers. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Artwork from my kiddos. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Don’t grow up. What’s the best advice you received in your career? It’s not personal. What is your go-to source of creative inspiration? A walk or a drive. Clearing my head and separating myself from my office or desk is the best thing I can do to stir creativity.
What change would you like to see in the world?
Equality. I have such a hard time understanding the hate and prejudice that we face every day. We are all human, can’t that be enough?
What message do you want to send out into the world? Lead with kindness. What mega-trend most excites you? Working from anywhere. Looking forward to it someday. What mega-trend most concerns you? The competitive pressure upon young children exacerbated by social media.
Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My father. He died so early in my life that I never really got to know him. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? An actress, an author and an artist, all at once. After your loved ones, what object would you first save from your burning home? My kids’ baby boxes. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Surrounded by family, watching the sunset, enjoying delicious food and wine. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t be so hard on yourself. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My wedding day. Such a fun party with so many people that I have since lost touch with.
Personal motto: Live in the moment. Favorite quote: “Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away” (attributed to Maya Angelou). Desired epitaph: She lived a life worth living.
