I was born on a military base in Kokomo, Indiana…

but spent most of my childhood moving around; from Omaha, Nebraska to Portales, NM for middle school and then Bloomington, IN for high school. While we moved several times, we actually had much more stability than other military families and children; whom I admired immensely. My three siblings and I lead incredibly diverse lives, and while not necessarily similar, each one can be linked directly to the values we were raised to respect: hard work, independence, and family. We all live in different states; varying from Michigan and Kentucky, to Nebraska and Texas. However, we make it a point to stay connected and come together as a family as much as possible.

Lessons From My Military Family

Growing up on a military base, surrounded by military families, was an experience that defined and shaped my upbringing. Watching the hard work, sacrifices, and pride from all of our community taught me discipline. My parents would never let me quit anything; I was expected to finish what I started.  ‘Stay focused,’ ‘don’t give up,’ and ‘always finish what you start’ are life lessons for which I am immensely thankful that continue to serve me now.

I also learned the importance of adaptability and bravery.  Moving away from our family and friends was difficult, but when my parents were deployed across the world, it added another layer of fright. No matter how much we wanted to be near family or wanted our father home, we knew he was doing his civic duty and we had to be brave and do our part.  Your life and circumstances can change at a moment’s notice and you have to be able to quickly adapt. I could not have gotten to where I am in life without being brave enough to embrace change.

Home Life

Home life was simple and basic but grounded in hard work and love. We enjoyed the simple (and inexpensive) pleasures of life which included camping trips, volunteering, church, walks at night, and climbing trees. From a young age, I learned to work hard with humility and give back with my time. I learned to be courageous. I learned to take risk and to keep going. I learned to lean into adventure and change. I learned to not look back and dwell on what could have been, but to live in the moment and focus on the future. Also, to pay attention to finances and be fully committed to love and family. I watched my parents, who married in their late teens work tirelessly to provide us with opportunities they had never had for themselves. My siblings and I watched as our father worked long hours abroad and mother worked the night shift at a nursing home.

mother

My mother was forever dedicated to her patients and their families. She would come home with no sleep to volunteer at our schools, be our girl scout leader, make sure we were raised in our faith, and coordinate the most memorable family events and outings. As a child I watched her, and continue to watch her, give all of herself to her community and loved ones.

She is one of the most selfless servants I have ever met in my life. I admire her unwavering work ethic and spirit, while still maintaining a balance of love and care for everyone around her. Sometimes, I’m not sure how she does it.

Another important lesson I learned from my Mom was to be a strong and secure wife, mother, and female. That I can do hard things without a man.  There were many days and nights she cared for us all alone. Due to my father’s professional commitments, there was a year my father was in Italy and Mom cared for all 3 kids while working full-time, volunteering and loving us fiercely.  Just after middle school, my family retired from the military and my father began a career in long-haul trucking.  Without a college degree, this was a career path that allowed him to provide financial stability to our family and to send his children to college without loans. My mother also made sacrifices. Once again, she was tasked to raise us almost single-handedly through our high-school and college years while my father travelled. She never complained, she never wavered from our family plan, and she once again found a way to keep everyone connected and unbreakable through the distance. I feel uniquely blessed to have such a strong, humble, beautiful, loving woman in my life to look up to.

Many wives and mothers could have given up through hardships, distance, and all the thankless work involved. But I saw a woman who remained steadfast and proud. She was dedicated and committed to her marriage and family through good and bad. Most importantly, she was selflessly loving and humble through it all.

I strive every day to live up to her example, I’m still not sure how I was lucky enough to have been raised by her.

when i grow up…

I think I’ve wanted to be all the professions at different points in my life; teacher, lawyer, a pilot in the air force, an environmentalist, peace corps, then I landed on business leader. I admire the range of talents and skills people possess and their ability to use those to change the world around them. I myself am drawn to many things included helping people, driving change for the better, accomplishing the un-accomplishable, as well as connecting with nature and the environment (including animals). At one point, I definitely wanted to be a teacher; I love the innocence and bravery of youth and I enjoy being able to be a positive role model in children’s lives.

To this day many of my best moments and memories are teaching on Sunday’s as a preschool Sunday School teacher or volunteering as a Daisy Girl Scout troop leader.

Business Major

In high school, I was fascinated with nature and the outdoors. I was determined I wanted to go into horticulture and own a tree farm. My saint of a mother drove me to Purdue University to visit their horticulture program and green house.I don’t remember what changed but I swung in an entirely different direction and ended up in business school majoring in Accounting and Finance. The draw to business school for me I believe, initially was the challenge. I was so unfamiliar with it that I was drawn to it and wanted to prove I could do it. And once I started, I realized the impact business leaders could make in their respective community, country, and the world. Since then, I haven’t looked back and have thrived in a business world while staying connected to my other interests through community involvement and activities. I believe that no matter what profession you choose, there are a variety of ways to make the experience unique to your passions and stay connected to what drives you.

the big apple

After undergrad, I started my career as an investment banking analyst on Wall Street. My interview was actually the first time I had ever been in New York City and I thought that if nothing else came from the interview it would be an opportunity to visit one of the most impressive cities in the world. As soon as I landed, I was taken by how comfortable it was for me to navigate. How energized I got from all of the hustle and bustle; I loved seeing and being around such a diverse group of people and got caught up in it all. But the city also taught me more resilience and gave me more tough skin than any other personal experience until that point. Everyone has a story, and a lot of those stories are difficult. People can project their suffering and their pain on you easily in a city like New York. Learning to not take people's bad moods or behavior personally and giving everyone grace can go a long way in protecting your feelings and creating a happy moment in someone else’s day.

On male-dominated job roles

The educational and career paths I have chosen, have been and are still, male- dominated. While both Wall Street and Technology have come a long way in recent years, it is no secret both still have a long way to go before truly benefiting from a diverse work culture. Diversity comes not only from gender and ethnicity, but also from work and communication styles.

In my career, I have seen many examples where leadership does not lean in on diverse ways of leading due to discomfort from the fear of abandoning past approaches. Which is a shame because business leaders can benefit immensely from embracing different people, styles, and perspectives.

We work and serve a society that is becoming more diverse everyday and if we do not adapt, we will fall behind. My professional experience in male-dominated fields has always been 'mixed’ but I choose to focus on uplifting experiences. I have worked under leaders who have gone out of their way to make sure that females have a voice, an equal seat, and opportunities to impact their male counterparts.

I saw their intention and proactive leadership to create an inclusive and inviting environment for both males and females. They have rejected many ‘wives’ tales’ in the industry. Such as, you have to ‘speak the boys club language’, or you have to 'know the latest sports trends, or ‘learn how to golf’ just to be included in the conversation.

Instead of trying to turn into someone else to be accepted, I have learned to be my own, authentic-self and to talk about my passions and interests with equal gusto while sitting at the table.

When we can begin thinking more like these leaders and stop asking women to change what they like/do or who they are to adapt to men, we can begin to level the playing field.

On Taking A Leap of Faith

I’ve recently made a pretty big career change and left the company where I had worked for 14 years. While I love that company and the people I left behind, I reached a point where I knew I had more to offer than what I was doing. I had a yearning for change and wanted to see what else was available to me. After being with a company for so many years, I wondered how marketable I was and if I had attractive skills in the business world outside the offices of my employer of 14 years. The response and the reassurance I received was incredible!

I was able to gain back some confidence that maybe I lost or got to too comfortable to remember.

As I am writing this, I am 30 days into my new role as Vice President and Chief Financial Officer for a division of a fast growth, mid-cap company. I am completely out of my comfort zone, challenged and excited. I do not know where the journey will lead, but I know that along the way I will grow. I will help influence and grow a mission that I believe in while being surrounded by people who support my goals and I.

It can be intimidating to make changes in your career. My advice would be to follow your ‘gut;' it is smarter than we think. Use your logic in conjunction with your instincts and feelings. Be open to new directions and new people; don’t shut doors or stop listening too quickly. And know that if a change doesn’t work out, it is okay; you’ve gained knowledge and skills along the way and there will always be another door.

Living in Asia

I moved to Taipei, Taiwan in 2008 and then to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia in 2009 as a business expatriate. The move happened right after I got married, but I went without my husband due to his career demands and his children. Thankfully, my life leading up to this point taught me many skills--adaptability, resilience, bravery--needed to thrive as a successful expat and single female.  

During my time living abroad, I gained an even greater appreciation for different cultures, faiths, and work styles. Humanity is so much more trustworthy than we imagine it to be, human beings are pretty incredible around the world.  I’ve had families who could barely understand me adopt me as their daughter and help care for me. Complete strangers have stopped and helped me and I’ve shared amazing adventures with people who didn’t have to take the time or care.

One of my most memorable experiences while living abroad was having the opportunity to teach Myanmar refugees about my faith and help them with their English. These children would come to my classroom with no shoes, hungry, and tired from helping their family work. But they were always happy; smiling, and grateful for the life they had.  The children I grew to love had no stable home and weren’t sure when they would eat next; they were high risk for abuse and manipulation.  Our problems are usually insignificant compared to children like these around the world. I will never understand why or how I ended up being born into such fortunate circumstances, but I have learned and know that with great wealth comes greater responsibility.

Everyone we meet has something to teach us and I believe there is singular answer to fix many of the issues our world fights over.  The beauty of diversity is that together all of our varying opinions, perspectives, and past experiences create the beautiful world we live in today. Embracing differences and allowing yourself to be open enough to learn, I believe, is one of the most enlightening and humbling experiences you can have. Too often we judge and point fingers to what we perceive is wrong with other people. Instead, I believe we need to learn and listen more. I’ve made memories that undoubtedly will last a lifetime and it is my hope that I was able to positively impact the people I’ve met along the way.

The Game Changers

Throughout my life there have been a handful of women that have been ‘game-changers’ in my life. They were women I admired and aspired to be like; women who took the time to mentor and love me. Women who showed me a different type of life and that successfully opened up windows and doors I never knew were there (both professionally and personally.) One woman, a high school teacher, spent extra time with me after class and encouraged me to run for a national role in Business Professionals of America because she saw leadership potential I never knew I possessed.

Because of her, I ended up winning as President for our local chapter of Business Professionals of America and traveled on an airplane for the first time to San Antonio for a national competition. For a high-schooler, it was an eye-opening experience that gave me confidence and opened my mind to what I could achieve and do. I don’t know that she will ever understand her impact on my life.

A different ‘game changing’ woman in my life was a vascular surgeon who I nannied for in college. She was hard-working, smart, articulate, lived with no boundaries or borders and was unapologetically independent and strong.  She did all of this with an elegance and confidence I admired deeply. I aspired to develop qualities I saw in her.  She’d sit with me after late shifts at the hospital, when the house had gone to bed, to listen to me talk about business school. She made me feel like I belonged in a world that was so foreign to me at the time. She made me feel worthy and included.  I don’t know that she will ever understand her impact on my life either.

There have been other women who have inspired me, made my better, and stood beside me when I’ve stumbled. These women are angels that stay with me in my heart, my mind, and in my ears if I ever start doubting my ability or worth. Thank God for these strong, loving, servant women! Without these women, I do not believe I would be the person I am today and to them I am forever grateful. It is important for all of us to realize that our impact on people, children, and our community can be, and is, substantial. Be the person you want others to strive to be like.

Be the person that smiles and encourages someone who is nervous or insecure and absolutely give back and reach behind you to pull up the next generation.

Through my experiences with positive role models and mentors, I’m incredibly dedicated to mentoring youth and especially young woman. When we support the growth and empowerment of women and girls, I believe we raise the quality of life not only for them but for everyone.

Taking the Lead

High-Tech High Heels (HTHH)

I am on the board of High-Tech High Heels (HTHH), which is a non-profit that believes the world will be a better place when there is a diverse, qualified workforce with more opportunities for women in science, technology, engineering and math (STEM). Having women represented equitably in STEM careers will not only increase innovation and make our nation more competitive, but will also have far-reaching global, economic, and societal benefits. HTHH’s mission is to increase the number of girls graduating from high school and entering a college-level degree program in STEM. We can achieve this by funding organizations that offer proven programs for educators and students aligned with our mission. This organization and mission are incredibly important to me because I know the positive impact a role model can have in young woman’s life first-hand. If we help our teachers get better training and empower them to inspire girls, the benefits are innumerable.

Many of the girls we will impact come from similar backgrounds as mine; first generation college students from low-income families that don’t have all the knowledge or experiences to guide them. Through my involvement I hope to show these girls new opportunities, give them hope, and encourage them to be brave and confident wherever their dreams may lead.

Being A Big Sister

Volunteering with youth and children has been a part of my life since I can remember. I think there is something refreshingly innocent that radiates from our youth. I find it is inspiring to be around and learn from them.

One of the organizations I started working with in 2005 was Big Brothers Big Sisters. They partner with parents and volunteers to build and support one-on-one relationships to ignite the brightest possible future for our youth. I had the privilege to be a ‘Big Sister’ to 2 different, amazing girls who are now both thriving young women succeeding in their educational and career ambitions. I am not sure who got more out of these relationships, them or me, as they taught and inspired me every single time we met. They were, and still are, pieces of my heart and my family and I am so excited to watch what they do in this world. I hope that in their future they take their success and pass it onto the next generation.

Leadership Women

Leadership Womenis a nonprofit social enterprise for the 21st century that has successfully built one of the largest and longest running leadership development organizations for women in the nation. They exist to ensure women’s full and effective participation and equal opportunities for leadership at all levels of decision-making in political, economic, and public life. I had the honor of being selected to go through both Leadership Texas (2008) and Leadership America (2011). Through this experience, I was able to focus on enriching my leadership skills while being surrounded by some of the most motivating women I have ever met. As previously mentioned, I think it is critically important to mentor younger women and I also think it is equally important to make sure you have mentors and leadership opportunities, like Leadership Women, along the way.

The investment you make in yourself will not only enrich and expand your horizon as a strong female, but it will also help all the women around you as well. I am forever grateful to organizations like Leadership Women and all of the women leaders who are dedicated to educating, growing, and expanding the network of women like myself.

Describe Your Leadership Style.

As a leader, I believe that people are your greatest assets. The people you lead will forever be the great factor that will determine the success of your company and your leadership should never be treated as a commodity. Every day that our employees and teams work for us is an opportunity for them to show us how valuable they are. But it is also an opportunity for leaders and companies to re-recruit them and show them that they are the best leaders to work for. I believe it is a reciprocal relationship that takes care and effort on both sides. I believe people thrive under leaders that are thoughtful, honest, and caring and I strive to always convey these qualities to my team. I also believe in empowering my team, because I know that they are the experts and I will learn from them way more than they learn from me. Listening, pausing, and just being in the moment with your team is crucial to truly hearing what they are trying to tell you and to be able to act accordingly. People deserve respect in all situations, at all skill levels, and in all companies. The more respect, inspiration and care I show my team, the more I can bring out their best selves; making everyone better.

On Staying Balanced

How Do You Juggle It All?

I get this question a lot and the answer is complex. First off, I alone do not juggle it all. I have a support network which includes my husband, my parents, my children, and my friends.

I lean into my network and am not afraid to ask for help. This is important! I also make sure that I am using my time on the things that matter most.

Everything else that I can I work to outsource or prioritize it for a later date. It’s a balancing act that constantly changes, often needs adjusting, and never looks perfect or graceful. I believe that the collective components that make up my life--career, friendships, marriage, children, fitness, and faith-- are altogether the key to my success. I would not be who I am without any one of them, so it is important that I nurture all of the pieces that make my life whole. That does not mean that they all get equal or consistent attention. But it does mean that I need to be flexible and aware; able to adjust priorities and time commitments to address the greatest needs at any given moment. I also believe that the more I can focus on my health, the better I am at everything. Running, moving my body, eating healthy light foods, and surrounding myself with uplifting readings and faith, are instrumental in my happiness and subsequent ability to succeed in all of my roles.

What hopes do you have for your daughters?

I want my girls to always know they are smart, capable, and loved. I want to encourage their ambitions and empower their confidence. And I want them to always know that ‘you can’! I want them to understand that the world doesn’t owe them anything and that we all have to pay our dues, we all have to work hard, and we all have to face failures before we can achieve success. I want them to know that it doesn’t matter where someone is from, what they look like, or what they do or do not believe – love and accept them for who they are and always be nice. I hope they appreciate the importance of community, getting involved,and staying connected to other people through healthy relationships and connections. I hope they have an unquenchable desire for ongoing knowledge and understand that learning is forever.

I hope that they will be inspired by me, but equally important, I hope that they have inspirational female role-models who are ‘game-changers’ in their lives and lift them up to be the best versions of themselves as possible.

Lastly, I want them to know that everyone has a different path to happiness and they should follow their dreams with unapologetic passion.