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Q: When did you join the Partnership and what initially encouraged you to join the team?
I joined the Partnership in 2020. I initially learned about the role through JB Holston, who was my boss and mentor at the University of Denver. Due to the pandemic, I was interested in moving back to the east coast to be closer to family. The Partnership offered an amazing opportunity to put my skills to use as a marketer, storyteller, and team leader. I was also incredibly motivated by the team — this is a group of driven, passionate, and dedicated people, and I was excited about how much I could learn from each of them!
Q: What motivates you to jump out of bed and get to work each morning?
My team! I love the collaborative “get things done” culture of the Partnership. Plus, every day I get to be creative, tell stories, and help bring ideas to life.
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?
One of the ways I’ve helped to break the bias is to mentor young women entrepreneurs who are launching their first companies. Women founders receive just a fraction of the venture capital that their male counterparts do. Giving more women the opportunity to pitch their ventures and helping them get funding is a tangible way to break the bias.
Q: Looking back at your accomplishments, what is your biggest personal highlight during your tenure at the Partnership?
We have created so much content in the year and a half that I’ve been at the Partnership — from Fresh Take interviews to the blog to the Capital Region Catalyze podcast, I am proud of the stories we’ve been able to tell about community leaders from across the region.
Q: What has surprised you about working at the Partnership?
I am constantly surprised by how much such a small team can produce. From briefs and reports to programs and content, this team works hard and delivers!
Q: How have you evolved as a colleague/leader/professional since joining Partnership? How has the pandemic impacted your work or leadership style?
I joined the Partnership while working remotely from Colorado. I didn’t meet my team in person until we’d been working together for 7 months! As a leader, I became much more communicative and much more flexible in my communication style. My door (or my Zoom window) is always open and I’ve learned that being vulnerable – sharing our experiences, hardships, frustrations, as well as celebrating all of the wins, big and small – is critical to building a strong and resilient team.
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?
Other than infrastructure, digital skills, and inclusive growth, I would solve the housing problem — providing affordable housing within the city, as well as transitional housing to support people struggling with homelessness.
Q: What is your favorite activity / place around the Capital Region?
I have only been in the region for 10 months, but my current favorite thing to do is to explore DC with my dog — either running along the National Mall or hiking in Rock Creek Park!
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