Home: Seattle, WA, and Vancouver, BC. Age: 40-something. Birthplace: Louisiana. Profession: Human resources and communications. Title: Human resources business partner. Pronouns: She/her. Alma mater: University of Washington.
Current project: Completing my master’s in communication leadership at the University of Washington while preparing to pursue a Ph.D. in communication. Recent recognition: Earning admission to the University of Washington’s graduate program in communication leadership. Latest contribution to others: Mentoring college students and supporting breast cancer awareness initiatives through Susan G. Komen. What’s been your big (or biggest) leap? Leaving my career to return to college. It required faith, perseverance and a willingness to begin again.
Personality profile: Compassionate, purpose-driven, resilient, strategic and approachable. Moral compass: My faith and the Golden Rule: Treat others with dignity, integrity and respect. What is your greatest joy? Helping others grow through learning, mentorship, faith and travel. What is your guilty pleasure? Coffee and Italian food. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Traveling and books. What is at the top of your bucket list? Earning my Ph.D. in communication and publishing a book. What is your go-to workout? Strength training. What inspires you every day? Knowing I can positively impact someone’s life.
What was your first paying job? Café attendant in a junior high summer program. What was your favorite college course? Crisis communication. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? University of Washington degrees, travel photos and inspirational quotes. Besides your parents, who has had the greatest influence on your life? My junior high school track coach. What’s the best advice you received in your career? Listen first. Employees support what they help create. What personal circumstance has had the greatest influence on your life? Returning to college and continuing my education. It transformed how I view leadership, communication and my ability to make a meaningful impact. It is never too late!
What is your big idea?
Organizations become stronger when they invest in people as intentionally as they invest in strategy.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field? Elevating communication as a strategic leadership function rather than simply a response to challenges. What message do you want to send out into the world? Lead with integrity, listen with empathy and never underestimate the impact a single act of encouragement can have on another person’s life.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Purpose. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. I would listen to his wisdom on leadership, courage, faith and bringing people together during times of division and change. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? With my family, taking a peaceful walk in nature, reflecting with gratitude and thanking God for a life filled with opportunities to serve others. What advice would you give your younger self? Trust God’s timing, stay true to your values and never underestimate the impact you can have by believing in yourself and investing in others.
Personal mission: To strengthen organizations by investing in people through ethical leadership, effective communication and a commitment to helping others reach their full potential. Personal motto: Do unto others as you would have them do unto you. Favorite quote: “What counts in life is…what difference we have made to the lives of others” (Nelson Mandela).
