Senior Manager for Global Content at Owl Labs
What advice would you give to a girl graduating from Williston today?
Experience life—and not just through your phone. Get out there and take advantage of the opportunities that are given to you. And when you are in the moment—whether it be getting and award at work or traveling to a new place with friends—put your phone down and take in everything that is around you.
Tell us about a woman who is your hero and why?
This may be a cliché answer, but my mom.
My mom has always put education first—whether it was when she was in high school or when my brother and I had were in school. She was huge reason why we applied to Williston in the first place.
But, after graduating high school and attending a year or so of community college, she stepped away from her education—and it’s something she always wanted to complete.
For as long as I could remember, she wanted to go back to college and get her degree. So much so, she started doing just that while my brother and I attended Williston. She would work full-time, pick us up and then head to class. I never heard her complain once.
My mom ended up getting her college degree in 2009—the same year as me. I remember going into the UMass stadium and being so proud watching her walk across the stage in her cap and gown. She never gave up on her dream. Those types of goals and ambitions are something that I aspire to every day.
What do you think is next for women in your professional field?
Equal pay. Sadly, this is still something that women are fighting for. While women are gaining more seats at the table, a pay gap still exists and this is something that needs to be addressed.
What’s the best advice you’ve ever received?
“Comfort is the enemy of progress.”
This is a phrase I often think about in work and life. I always want to be challenging myself—whether it be in a new role at work or moving across the world (which I recently did). I know when I’m too comfortable, it may be time to change things up.