Age: 37
Occupation: Lead Business Systems Analyst, Transamerica
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Don’t wait until you are ready to take action. Instead, take action to be ready.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
I grew up on a century farm, Century Acres Angus. I started showing Angus cattle at 9 years old and served as Miss American Angus, which is the national Angus queen.
What do you know now that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
Don’t sweat the small stuff. You’ll spend more time worrying about things that won’t matter in a year. Stay focused on what is important to achieve your goals.
How do you ensure a balance between work and your personal life?
There will always be more work to do than time to complete it. Focus on work priorities while at work and focus on family while at home. Your kids will remember the time you spend together.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace?
We are good at building collaborative teams that are able to adapt and solve problems. The generation also wants the flexibility to take on challenging work to allow for continual learning.
If you had $1 million to give, what causes would you support?
I would support the Make-a-Wish Foundation.
What do you want to accomplish by the time you are 50?
I hope that my husband and I have raised two happy, healthy children and we’re able to travel the world as a family. I want to continue to grow my career while volunteering in the Corridor.
What book are you currently reading?
“The Leadership Challenge” by James Kouzes and Barry Z. Posner.
Who are your local mentors?
All the Junior League of Cedar Rapids women.
