What is your current state of mind?
Cautiously optimistic. While spending time at home, my family is doing lots of things focused on togetherness, like baking banana bread, creative games and innovations, and a Star Wars marathon. I am glad that I have had this time with my family. Even though our world has changed so quickly, I have faith that we will emerge better than before.
 
What is your idea of perfect happiness?
Feeling proud of my work and celebrating with a walk on the beach in my neighborhood. I live in the City of Chicago, where my street ends at a public access beach. It is one of my favorite places in the world. There truly is no place like home!
 
Which living person do you most admire?
It might be Oprah. I admire her quest for living her truth and highlighting people from all walks-of-life to share their truth too. Though her TV network, magazine, cruise ship programs, tours and frozen dinners are highly commercialized, she also provides tools that empower and help people thrive to be their best. I aspire to empower people in that way.
 
What makes you nostalgic?
The taste of Thanksgiving dressing. It’s usually only cooked at the holidays when there is a large group of people congregating. It reminds me of the value of family.
 
If you could be born in another era, which would it be?
The Edwardian era before World War I. I like the fashion and the time of innocence. I love E.M Forester and the idea of change and modernization.
 
What is your greatest extravagance?
When I have extra money, I buy art. It was something I learned from my mother who collected. I don’t have any pieces from famous artists, but mostly small items from family friends or from places that I have visited or lived. Collecting art is an extravagance, but I love looking at the pieces. They inspire me and spur my imagination.
 
What is your greatest fear?
Escalators. I try to hide the extra breath I take when I use them. I also fear not seeing my girls flourish into adulthood. So I treasure every day that I have with them.
 
What unexpected challenges have you faced since you joined the AUTM team? There was some staff attrition when I first started, followed by an office move, a collaborative partnership with FLC, cancellation of AUTM’s 2020 Annual Meeting just days before it was to begin, and emergence of the COVID-19 global pandemic. But I love the people I work with at AUTM and its communinty of Members. We are supporting each other in many ways and are making it through.