In Her Own Words...

On educational equity:

"I am proud to have grown the enrollment at Ursuline from 840 to 900 during a pandemic; I am more proud of the makeup of those students. Changing the composition of that student body was imperative to me. My work in Community & Inclusion at Ursuline was paramount. I helped create our C&I vision statement, hired and mentored our first C&I Director, and developed our first diversity and equity curriculum. Having studied DEIJ work for years, I learned early on that those who chose to 'opt in' usually weren't the ones that needed to do so. Creating this course gave our entire school –teachers and students – common language and tools in which to approach the work. It became a schoolwide priority that allowed us to focus and grow together. That’s what's most important to me about my work: Growth. Stretching hearts and minds to create more equipped, empathetic people. I am a strong believer that if we each have a growth mindset, we can grow our unruly, unsettled world into a healthy, loving place."

On living abroad:

"The first time I traveled abroad, I went to Spain for a study program in 2006. I was a strong student and a vigorous athlete at the University of Nevada. No one thought this was a great idea – not my parents, my teachers or my coaches! I was captain of the track team, I had just broken the university’s triple jump record, I was nationally ranked, and everyone felt like I'd lose momentum if I went. But I researched the program, applied, crafted an individual workout plan, and hopped on the plane for a 10-week adventure! I had an incredible time studying at the Universidad del Pais Vasco in San Sebastián, Spain. I was so grateful for the opportunity to immerse myself in another culture."

“I also lived abroad in Johannesburg, South Africa in 2013 while working at Bain & Company. I was hired to help a newer office build a team of consultants, so for work I visited universities and businesses. But I also traveled to unique cities and nearby countries to meet people and infuse myself in their culture. It was a fascinating time to live in "Joburg" as locals affectionately call it. Nelson Mandela was still living, remnants of Apartheid could still be felt, and yet, in the midst of big transition and change, there were beautiful people striving to preserve their great nation. I intended to stay for 3-4 months, but I extended my stay primarily to spend additional time volunteering at a local organization I had come to love – TLC Children’s Home, which helps abandoned babies find forever homes. I returned to the United States seven months later, a transformed human."

On a personal note:

"I love music and food! I see both as a unique love language that brings people of all backgrounds together. Country music, motown, jazz and Christian worship are my go-tos. Being physically healthy is imperative to me, and dancing to these genres is a beloved pastime that helps me stay in shape. I enjoy western partner dancing, the classic two-step, bachata and salsa. In regard to food, I indulge in it all: Asian, Southern, Italian, fruit, veggies, dessert – you name it. Enjoying a good meal during a busy day forces you to slow down and connect with those around you. I enjoy learning about restaurants as much as I enjoy the food! I love to support family businesses, women-managed and minority-owned restaurants. When I travel I seek those places, then I share their stories with others."