Q1: Tell us a bit about yourself.
I’ve lived in the city for most of my formative years, however, once the weekend arrived my family was on the road to my birthplace — Detroit, Michigan — a place I referred to at the time as “home.” Since we didn’t have extended family in the city, my sisters and I looked forward to spending time with our aunties, uncles and cousins.
I remain a lover of reading. Listing genres I don’t particularly appreciate is easier because I enjoy any genre as long as the writing is compelling. I’m not a fan of romance novels, especially at this time in my life. After 30 years of marriage, I’m enjoying the journey of the joys and challenges of a committed relationship. I don’t need a fictionalized image of romance. I’m living the most incredible romance of my life. We are empty nesters with four children, a daughter-in-love and grandchildren. I enjoy and adore them all.
Q2: How did you become involved in the HR field? What career path led you to your current role?
I’ve loved learning and challenging my mind from as early as I can remember. I’m particularly interested in the human capacity to change and heal. I always wanted a career that would allow me to help others improve their lives. So, my passion first led me to the health care field. Thankfully, with guidance from many great mentors and leaders, I found numerous opportunities in the insurance industry to expand my knowledge and skills as a manager and leader. Human Resources is a natural transition for this time in my life. I can champion people.
Q3: What do you enjoy most about working for Lasting Change?
My current role focuses my full attention on the employees. That’s my happy place. I serve many consultants, social workers and therapists who work diligently to restore hope in the lives of families and children. It’s heartbreaking work. I’m driven daily to help create a supportive workplace for our employees. They deserve that and more because they are doing work that saves lives. It sounds cliché, but sit with that for a minute. Our staff’s interventions can set one child or family on a course to recovery and reconciliation. These are life-altering outcomes that have the potential to positively impact not only the client, but their place in the community for years to come. I am honored to be of service to our employees.
Q4: Walk us through what a normal day looks like for you.
I’m not an early riser, but I start every day with movement, stretching or yoga, and end with meditation and prayer.
Once I arrive at work, I sort emails to identify the most urgent issues. Before setting my course for the day, I like to check in with staff or the HR manager to understand what problems are pressing them. I’ve learned that a distracted mind can derail the most detailed plans.
I’m enrolled in a yoga teacher program to complete a 500-hour teacher certification, so I study or plan a yoga class sequence most evenings.
Q5: The holidays will be here before we know it! What do you most look forward to about the holiday season? Do you have a favorite?
Christmas is my favorite holiday and it is much less stressful now that our children are older. I focus less on creating the perfect meal and more on enjoying family and spoiling my grandchildren. It’s an excellent time to count my blessings and make memories.
