The Introduction:
If we are getting right down to it, you could say the passion I possess is nearly tangible. To me, there is nothing more exciting than being around a group of motivated individuals who are driven to complete a goal. I take great pride in being part of a team and trust in my ability to deliver and ensure goals are met or surpassed. Furthermore, I want to be among those who share the same desire to grow – together.
I have found there has been no place that this comes to life more than volunteering and spending time within the community. This has been one of my most rewarding pursuits and it is an honor to find support among such a wonderful group of individuals. When I am not in conversation with those who live around the corner, I can be found making observations in our local park, helping to elevate the voice of our cherished green space.
When it comes to the professional side, in roles both past and present I have found ways to incorporate my artistic side and creativity into more structured settings. My roles tend to consist of multifarious duties that touch on varied skillsets, allowing me the chance to work with other teams and acclimate to new tasks quickly. I am a natural contributor and enjoy working with others to find the right solution. An important quality I value about myself is ability to learn and adapt coupled with the desire to keep learning; something important I have learned about others is that you can find a resolution to an issue if you listen closely enough. The goal is to continually look for the silver lining in life, for there is much of it to find.
The Self-Interview:
Q: What are you passionate about outside of work?
A: There is no shortage of things I lend passion to; I enjoy spending time in nature, particularly birdwatching and photography, alongside painting, playing an array of instruments, journaling, learning languages, and spending time in the community. Over the last two years, I have grown rather dedicated to our local community park, which has provided opportunities I never thought possible and has brought some outstanding individuals my way in the process. To learn more about my efforts, visit From Winnemac Park.
When it comes to data and design, I get a major kick out of creating info-graphics and making information more digestible via creative means. I have been utilizing Canva for years and have gained the ability to create great designs in a short period of time. Give me a few paragraphs and I’ll give you a visual. Looking for an example or need an idea? Let me know.
Q: It seems like you enjoy filling roles that offer you a lot of flexibility; explain how that’s going for you.
A: I’m not sure it ever intends to start out that way. If a need is not being fulfilled or there is room for improvement, and that need is pivotal to ensuring future success, I assume the responsibilities to ease that issue. This tends to be one of my best and worst qualities because it means I’m taking on another project, however, has allowed me to pursue other roles or gain skills I may not have been able to obtain otherwise.
I do not like hearing people say “that’s not my job”. The way I see it, is that I am willing to do just about anything that needs to get done and I do not like being put in a box. That does, however, come with a price, both monetarily and professionally. It is quite fascinating to build an array of skills that don’t collectively fit nicely within a job description - you realize you can do all these things, but are unsure of how to package them up nicely on a resume. I love learning, I love growing, and I refuse to stay stagnant for long. I guess you could say I do my best to create my own progression within my roles and I have a pretty good track record of doing just that.
Q: Have a book or podcast you’d recommend?
A: Books: each of these are all fantastic in their own right; Walden is a particularly special read for me.
Walden by Henry David Thoreau
Rules of Civility and A Gentleman in Moscow by Amor Towles
Sibley’s Guide to Bird Life & Behavior
Podcasts | Information
WBBM AM News Radio | Chicago
Hidden Brain
The Daily
Up First
Q: What sports did you participate in growing up?
A: I started competitively figure skating at age four and continued on an Olympic path until I hung up the skates just before high school. Then, softball, soccer and cheerleading took up the competitive slots in my life, while piano and theatre were my structured creative pursuits. While I enjoyed solo sports, I love being part of a team. I still love playing (or watching) just about any sport I am able.
Q: Name an album you think everybody would enjoy.
A: The North Borders by Bonobo.
Runners up:
I Am The Moon by Tedeschi Trucks Band
And of course, you can never go wrong with anything by Jobim or Joe Pass.
Q: Best meal you’ve ever had in Chicago?
A: Hands down - the pairing menu at Oriole; the day after 2016 Election Day (when we all needed a serious pick-me-up).
Other incredible experiences worthy of mention:
RPM Steakhouse & North Pond
Q: What is the most unique spot you have traveled to?
A: Malta; I was lucky enough to spend 10 days there on a college field study in 2007, conquering the entire island while also having the chance to ferry over just to fall in love with Gozo. My “peers” on the trip were all at least 25+ years my senior, giving me an even better experience than I could have anticipated. Malta contains not only the world’s oldest free standing structures, but fantastic people and incredible scenery. I consumed foods I will never eat again, spent time among an incredible group of well-traveled individuals who were all just as equally eager to learn about the land, dined in former fortifications, stepped in churches that survived the bombings of WWII, and took plenty of chances to wade around in the Mediterranean Sea.
In 2008, I was lucky enough to visit Japan, where I stayed in Hakone for a number of days during autumn, where the change of seasons came to life in the hills of the mountains. While in Japan, I had the chance to visit Harajuku, tickling my fashion-loving heart to no end. What made this trip special is the lack of preparation I had for it; I was given three days notice ahead of traveling there for 10 days and needless to say, I am extremely grateful I had the opportunity to do so.
Q: You mentioned languages…what are you currently learning?
A: I started learning Russian after I took a Russia in International Politics course in 2017; once I graduated university and had a bit more time to devote to language learning, I dove head-first into Spanish while still practicing my Russian; from there, I started learning Swahili, Latin, German, and a few others (Navajo, Japanese) just to dabble. I love Latin because I really like origin/root words and seeing how they evolve in other languages. I use Duolingo and highly recommend using it if you’re considering learning; watch out - it becomes addictive!
Q: One hangout spot you’d recommend for anyone?
A: The Warbler. This is a lovely spot that nests in the heart of Lincoln Square; excellent cocktails, delicious bites, and a great layout that provides accommodations for whatever mood you are seeking. A spot at the bar on the weekends will allow you to catch the game, you can settle in a spacious booth in the back with your closest pals, or perch at a patio table during the warmer months.
Q: Best concert you’ve been to?
A: All of these shows provided an exquisite experience albeit quite different experiences. Reasons for making the list range from having fantastic company in tow, a remarkable or notable setlist, had a special moment with the artists, or was simply stunned by what was unfolding before me.
I must note three concerts on this list as they are of special mention…
In 2011, I had the honor of Florence Welch (Florence + The Machine) stopping her XRT Holiday Show to introduce the custom cookie basket I had decorated for her during my time at Cookies by Design. This was incredible moment that unfolded at The Chicago Theatre and one I did not expect or anticipate. I am extremely thankful for the interaction we shared that evening and her gratitude in receiving the edible art. She remains one of my favorite artists and whose music resonates with me the most as we both take on our evolutions over time.
In 2017, I saw Natalie Merchant for the second time at the beloved Chicago Theatre celebrating 25 years of exquisite work. In a magical moment in the middle of her show, she asked any brave participants to come on stage to take on the roles of backup vocalists. To no surprise, I found myself on stage in less than minute’s time, being handed a mic from Natalie herself, where she quickly instructed a group of myself and three others on what would unfold for ‘Ladybird’. A dream come true, not only to perform on stage at my favorite venue, but to do so with one of my musical heroes. I will always be grateful for that moment, coupled with being dressed rather appropriately for the happenstance, wearing garb akin to that she wears on the cover of Ophelia.
In 2022, I finally scratched Tedeschi Trucks Band off my personal artist bucket list. This show absolutely blew my mind as I sat just off the stage, wavering between dance and and bewilderment. In fact, Derek & Susan’s showmanship encouraged me to finally buy an electric guitar and start learning the instrument, which led into playing a handful of other stringed beauties. They are both not only extremely talented musicians (as is the rest of the band), but they have a palpable chemistry that is a blast to watch. I have been inspired by many shows, but none that have quite propelled me into a new craft; grateful to say the least!
Rusted Root, House of Blues, 12/28/2008
Florence + The Machine, Chicago Theatre - WXRT Holiday Concert, 10/4/2011
Amon Tobin, The Congress Theatre, 10/21/2013
Paul McCartney, Lollapalooza 7/31/2015
Joan Armatrading, City Winery, 10/9/2015
Alabama Shakes, Chicago Theatre, 3/14/2015
Natalie Merchant, Chicago Theatre, 7/9/2017
David Byrne, Auditorium Theatre, 6/2/2018
Dave Matthews Band, Northerly Island, 6/29/2018
Celine Dion, United Center, 12/01/2019
Tedeschi Trucks Band, Chicago Theatre, 1/29/2022
Elton John, Solider Field, 08/05/2022
Julia Fischer & Jan Lisiecki, Chicago Symphony Orchestra, 03/30/2025
