Age: 38
Occupation: Corporate Counsel, TrueNorth Companies
What’s the best advice you ever received?
Just because you physically, emotionally and/or mentally can do it all doesn’t mean you should.
What do you consider your greatest professional achievement(s)?
Becoming a partner at my former law firm, being appointed as Chair of DRI Young Lawyers Committee, a committee of 4,000 young defense lawyers and corporate counsel from the U.S. and Canada, and election to the North Liberty City Council.
What would most people be surprised to learn about you?
I am incredibly passionate about the University of Iowa Dance Marathon and the families it supports. When I was in college, I was active in the organization and spent a lot of time with the kids undergoing cancer treatment. They taught me so much about life, love, courage and resilience. Now, every time I face a challenge that seems overwhelming, I remind myself that if those kids can face the fight of their lives with a smile on their face, certainly I can rise to the (significantly lesser) challenges that I face.
What do you know now that you wish you had known earlier in your career?
Networking and building meaningful relationships are critical for professional success. You never know who will help, train, inspire, develop, connect or challenge you to become a better version of yourself.
What’s something people should know about your generation in the workplace?
My generation (Gen X) serves as great mentors and connectors. We value hard work, integrity and developing others. Given the opportunity, we can effectively bridge the communication gap between baby boomers and millennials.
What is the biggest issue facing the Corridor?
Thoughtful development. Our commercial offerings and infrastructure need to keep pace with our residential growth.
