On This Page
Q: When did you join the Partnership and what initially encouraged you to join the team?
I joined GWP in July 2018. My education and professional experience are a combination of urban planning, economic development, and workforce development, so I wanted to work somewhere that thought critically about how all these fields intersect and impact quality of life. After years working on economic and workforce development initiatives around the country, I was also eager to bring my learnings back home.
Q: What motivates you to jump out of bed and get to work each morning?
The opportunity to continuously improve something I helped create is what fuels me each day.
Q: The theme for International Women’s Day on March 8 was “Break the Bias”. How have you helped to break the bias through your work — either at the Partnership or in another role/environment?
I care deeply about reducing stigmas around mental health, and this has felt more relevant than ever in recent years. When I remind myself to bring empathy and a sense of balance to the office, I find that it makes my relationships and work quality stronger.
Q: Looking back at your accomplishments, what is your biggest personal highlight during your tenure at the Partnership?
A major highlight was seeing about 10,000 high school students enrolled in IT Pathways through CoLAB’s TalentReady program. With all the challenges schools have endured during the pandemic, it has been incredible to see their commitment to rolling out industry-aligned IT curriculum. It energizes me as I think about implementing new activities throughout the year.
Q: What has surprised you about working at the Partnership?
I’m amazed at how fast I’ve seen our small team plan and run big events, virtually and in person!
Q: How have you evolved as a colleague/leader/professional since joining Partnership? How has the pandemic impacted your work or leadership style?
I’ve become more assertive and deepened my self-trust when I see something that doesn’t align with our mission and goals. The pandemic has also encouraged me to do a better job of checking in with people and stepping into their shoes before pushing forward certain elements of work.
Q: If you could snap your fingers and solve any issue or hurdle you’ve encountered in the Capital Region, what would it be and why?
I’d love to see a more robust and efficient public transportation system. There are a lot of stressful things in life—a commute doesn’t need to be one of them. Strategic transit investments are just one step we can take to support a more inclusive economy and help more of us enjoy everything our home has to offer.
Q: What is your favorite activity / place around the Capital Region?
Any kind of strolling—city strolling, park strolling, trail strolling. I feel fortunate to have access to all three in my neighborhood in Baltimore!
__
To stay up to date with our work and to learn more about the members of our team, sign up to receive Partnership emails!