Q: What did you want to be when you were younger? A: When I was younger, I always wanted to be a marine biologist! My family spent time at the beach every summer, and I quickly fell in love with the ocean and the incredible diversity of life within it. I was especially fascinated by dolphins and the complexity of marine ecosystems. Then one day I realized there was science involved in becoming a marine biologist and quickly started focusing on other interests.
Q: What’s your favorite family tradition? A: Christmas morning! We’re a BIG Christmas family, so waking up to a big pot of coffee with all the decorations and presents spread out is the best. Everyone sits in their usual spot, and we take turns opening gifts. We usually pause for breakfast and a few beverages along the way. When I was younger, my parents would always save our last gift as a scavenger hunt, so we’d run around the house following clues that led to our “big” gift each year. 
Q: What was a moment from your childhood that made you feel especially proud of yourself? A: Realizing now that I have stage fright and that I am not the most comfortable in front of a lot of people, I’m especially proud of myself for performing at Wolf Trap, Virginia, when I was in elementary school. The venue at Wolf Trapp can hold around 7,000 people…
Q: Who was a leader you admired growing up, and what’s one thing you learned from them? A: There are so many people who come to mind with this question, but one person who really stands out is my grandpa. He taught me a lot, but what I think about most is his sense of humor and ability to not take things too seriously. No matter what we were doing or what kind of mood I was in, he would always find a way to make me smile (usually with a silly dad joke). That perspective has really shaped who I am today.
Q: What is the best gift you have been given? A: A few years ago, my fiancé surprised me with seeing one of my favorite artists, Purple Disco Machine (I thought it was sold out) and then treated me to a spa day the next day to relax and recover.
Q: If you had a warning label, what would yours say? A: Gets hangry – make sure she is fed.
Q: What’s a skill or habit you’ve picked up recently that you’re proud of? A: I have never been a workout person, but I have recently gotten into Pilates! I never thought I would enjoy sweating so much, but I have been keeping it up for a couple of months now and do not plan on stopping.
Q: What’s one piece of leadership advice you would give to your younger self? A: I would tell my younger self that it is okay to fail and that you should actually embrace it. Everyone makes mistakes, and this is how you learn and grow. The moments that feel the most uncomfortable are often the ones that teach you the most. Looking back, some of my biggest lessons and growth came from things not going as planned.
Q: What’s your secret talent or something you’re good at that people might not know? A: I’m very competitive, so I tend to be pretty good at most games – whether it’s cards, board games, or something more strategic. I don’t always advertise it, but I definitely play to win.
Q: What’s a small win you’re celebrating this week? A: I’m getting married in a couple of months and was able to check a few things off my VERY long to-do list so I am most definitely celebrating that.