President - Alverno College

Q: What unique qualities do you believe sets you apart as a leader and woman of influence?
A: I don't know if these qualities are unique, but I love people and I want them to succeed. I like to learn, I like to laugh, and I try not to take myself too seriously. I believe I was put here to help people reach their maximum potential, particularly girls, women, and anyone who has historically been marginalized. I enjoy engaging with people and learning from them, because even as I am helping or mentoring them, I too am growing. What people tell me is that my authenticity, consistency, and approachability are what they value. I will talk to anyone, and I (usually 😉) genuinely enjoy each interaction. What could be more fun than getting to know other humans and helping them on their journey?

Q: Can you share a pivotal moment in your career that shaped your path?
A: I was working at a law firm, and I loved the work, it was stimulating, I liked the people with whom I was working, I was helping clients, I felt supported, and I was learning a lot. A nonprofit client I had frequently worked with called about an open position and asked whether I would consider applying. Evidently, lots of lawyers had applied (though it was not initially a legal position) and they thought, ""hey we have a lawyer we know, that we like, maybe she could apply too!"" So, I did. And I got the role. I got off the law firm partner path and on the road to helping make a difference for people who truly need it, often people who shared life histories and characteristics like mine.

Q: How do you define leadership, and how do you embody those qualities in your own life?
A: I would define leadership as listening with empathy, engaging multiple perspectives, and thoughtfully acting together with integrity, to reach a goal or outcome. In my own life I try to do these things consistently. Listening can be hard, because often we want to be heard. I try to really hear what others are saying. It gives you more data and it gives you a good sense of others' perspectives. It ensures that you don't have a myopic view as you try to decide the best course. One of the things I love, as mentioned previously, is engaging with others. It builds relationships and trust and encourages collaboration; it inspires and influences action.

Finally, the acting - deciding, doing the thing - is an important part of leadership because leadership is ultimately about getting something done, together, that has purpose and meaning. I hope that's what I've done.

Q: How do you pay it forward and support the next generation of leaders?
A: You belong to organizations like TEMPO of course! I am amazed at what TEMPO offers to women and our community and how it has grown under Jen Dirks' leadership. And there are many ways that it can help all of us pay it forward. There are many options TEMPO provides that are manageable for us in ways that fit your stage of career and life. Whether it's one-on-one mentoring, sitting next to someone at a program, or being a presenter at one, you can provide insight that might support a woman on the next step in her leadership journey.

And for me, personally, it's also taking on roles with organizations that help develop the next generation of leaders. It is a privilege and an honor to do so.

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