How I Got Here
I have been a writer all my life, penning my first essays, short stories, airmail letters — and even a travelogue — before I turned ten years old. My lifelong love of language led me to an English and history degree at Emory University, where I was editor of the student newspaper my senior year, and then to a successful career as a business journalist.
After transitioning from the newsroom to the business world, I discovered a passion for marketing and communications. I returned to school to strengthen my skill set, earning both an MBA and a Master’s of Science in Marketing at the University of Tampa.
Career Highlights
- Business coverage, The Tampa Tribune, 1999-2008
- Thought leadership and proposal writing, PwC, 2008-2014
- HR solutions marketing, WilsonHCG, 2015-2016
- Education and corporate marketing, Bisk, 2016-2022
- Content marketing manager, IncQuery, 2022-present
A Diversity Advocate From Day One
My passion for diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) spans my entire career. I came out of the closet soon after joining the workforce — when doing so was considered a professional liability — because there were no LGBTQ role models. If I couldn’t find one, I thought, I would become one. And that’s exactly what I did, helping shape more inclusive workplaces while supporting individuals in need of support and guidance.
Highlights of my DEI contributions include:
- Being the first Tampa Tribune employee to participate in the National Lesbian & Gay Journalists Association
- Holding leadership roles in affinity groups and diversity councils
- Developing and leading DEI-focused information sessions
- Providing constructive guidance to leadership about inclusive policies, practices, and programming
- Researching and delivering content about the benefits of DEI initiatives
Nonprofit Leadership
My passion for civil rights has helped me evolve from member to volunteer to leader at a national nonprofit, nonpartisan organization. I am currently:
- President of the Tampa chapter
- A member of the statewide board of directors
My nonprofit leadership roles have given me practical knowledge of advocacy, public speaking, governance, policy development, volunteer management, messaging, budgeting, finance, and event planning.
Education
- BA in English/history, Emory University
- MBA, University of Tampa
- MS in Marketing, University of Tampa
Professional Affiliations
What I Do in My Spare Time
My husband and I live in Tampa with our two rescue dogs, Lucy and Linus. Their favorite things are playing, eating, and interrupting Zoom calls.
I’m an avid traveler — and I own the beaten-up luggage to prove it! I can tell you what it’s like to see the Northern Lights ripple over Iceland, what to do after being burned at a hammam in Istanbul, and where to find the best corned beef on the planet. (Hint: It’s not in New York. It’s not even in the United States.)
I love all kinds of art, from the masterworks hanging in museums to the still-drying spray paint on side streets.
I started running a few years ago. I do it for fun, so it doesn’t bother me that turtles go faster and penguins have better form. My favorite place to run is Bayshore Boulevard in Tampa, and my favorite time to run is sunrise.
Get in Touch With Me
Connect with me on my contact page.