Answer: The first part of my career was in the airport industry. After pausing my professional journey to be fully present during the early years of my children’s lives, I had the privilege of embarking on a second career path. Feeling the Lord’s guidance, I re-entered the workforce with a renewed purpose. At Athletes in Action, I spent three years on the Global team before joining the development team as a project manager in 2021. A year later, I became the development chief of staff, embracing a broader leadership role.
Q: What led you to this point in your career?
A: A strong desire to continuously learn and grow has been the driving force behind my career journey. Being adaptable and willing to embrace new challenges has allowed me to dig in, learn new skills and evolve both personally and professionally. This mindset has opened doors to opportunities that have shaped my career path and enabled me to contribute meaningfully to each role I’ve taken on.
Q: Who are a couple of people you think of as your professional board of directors (the folks you go to for advice and support)?
A: I am fortunate to have many incredible individuals in my life who offer advice and support. My husband, Barry, is always willing to listen and share his insights and experiences. Dave McDowell, the VP of development for Athletes in Action, has been a mentor in the development space, teaching me a great deal about the power of relationships. The women from my Leadership Dayton class and EMPOWER cohort provide a strong network of support and inspiration.
Q: What is advice you have for women growing their careers?
A: Acknowledge and embrace the different seasons of life. Understand that your career will naturally evolve, influenced by personal and family commitments. By recognizing these seasons, you can adjust your goals and expectations, making space for both personal growth and professional success. Each stage of life offers unique opportunities to develop valuable skills. For instance, focusing on family can enhance your empathy, time management, and organizational abilities — traits that are highly beneficial in leadership roles. Remember, career paths are rarely linear, so be open to pivoting and redefining what success looks like for you.
Q: When you were a child, what career did you hope to have?
A: I initially aspired to be a pilot and began flight training during my senior year of high school, earning my commercial license with multi-engine and instrument ratings in college. While I thoroughly enjoyed flying, I came to realize that the lifestyle of a professional pilot wasn’t the right fit for me. This led me to pursue a career in the airport industry, where I could leverage both my aviation background and business skills effectively.
Q: Are you involved in any cohorts, boards, nonprofits?
A: I have been a member of the Junior League of Dayton for nearly 20 years, during which I have held several leadership roles, including president. While my children were young, I led the Mothers of Preschoolers (MOPS) ministry at Centerville Community Church, fostering community and support among moms. I am a proud alumna of the Dayton Chamber of Commerce Leadership Dayton Class of 2010 and am an active participant in the Chamber’s EMPOWER Cohort 7.
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