Age: 51
Why do you do what you do?
Can’t imagine anything better than being a part of Capital Area United Way at such an exciting time in Baton Rouge. So many of the right people are in the right places to make the positive change we need.
What is your greatest professional accomplishment?
Being a part of building a program from the ground up that raised more than $53 million a year for children’s hospitals in the United States, Canada, Ireland, the U.K. and Australia. The real accomplishment, however, was reflected in the faces of the kids and families touched by our efforts.
What was your first job?
A clerk, then a collection agent, at a consumer finance company. That’s right, I’ve repossessed.
What is the best advice you’ve ever received?
I took a career decision-making class at LSU and was told if I put health care together with my business background I would be really happy. That started me on this entire health, non-profit side of my career, which has been a perfect fit.
If you could have any job other than your own, what would it be?
It would be in architecture or design. I’m fascinated by the art and design of the spaces we inhabit and their impact they have on our mood.
What is the greatest personal or professional obstacle you’ve overcome?
It was fortunate that my career was starting just after women really pushed to get ahead in the workplace, but spending much of my career in male-dominated businesses, there still were challenges to overcome. It ended up being a real asset to my growth because I always felt I had to be a little better and a little quicker to prove I belonged at the table with the guys.
If you started over, what would you do differently?
Get much better advice on how to make the most of college. My parents didn’t attend college and there was no one to show me the ropes. If starting over I’d be better at getting guidance and making the most of the educational and social opportunities on campus.
What is your prescription for life?
Take time to enjoy the people in your life and simple pleasures. On our first trip to Europe, I was amazed to see people put more balance in their lives. It wasn’t all about work. They took time with friends and family, and everyone seemed to have a flower box outside of their window. It really hit me that my focus was all wrong.
What book are you currently reading?
Never just one. I was fortunate to be in the Council for a Better Louisiana’s 2010 Leadership Louisiana class, which got me interested in the writings of Ruby Payne. I am reading A Framework for Understanding Poverty. Jean Gatz, who lives here in Baton Rouge but is an international speaker, just wrote 10 Ways to Stand Out From the Crowd with Connie Podesta. It is a fun book with some great thought-starters. Finally, Eiffel’s Tower by Jill Jonnes, a fun look at the world’s fair where the Eiffel Tower made its debut.
If you could have dinner with any three living people, who would they be?
Madeline Albright – Several people I know have met her and said she was warm and wonderful. Oh, the stories she could tell.
Geoffrey Canada – CAUW will be focusing on education in the year ahead and few have built the kind of success he enjoys with his Harlem Children’s Zone.
John Stewart – Have to have some humor. His timing is impeccable. I always enjoy the depth of his interviews and he is a brilliant marketer.
Who would play you in a movie?
She looks nothing like me but I keep thinking Sandra Bullock, the kind of klutzy one trying to do the right thing.
What do you do to unwind?
Reading, cooking, and dinner with friends are all good. I also go through spurts where needlepoint is a good distraction.
What is the most expensive purchase you’ve made for yourself?
Like I’d tell….
What is your favorite weekend activity?
Love getting together with friends for dinner. Cooking in or eating out, it’s about the time together and conversation.
What is your favorite spot in Baton Rouge?
The old state capitol has to be top of the list. The uniqueness of the building, the history it has seen and its commanding location are the best. In high school I would sometimes go sit on the lions when I was doing my homework.
How do you take your coffee/tea?
Like to think it is taking both straight that made me tall.
What is your favorite movie? TV Show? Band?
Casablanca is such a great movie. What else could you want – it has humor, drama, romance, and war.
The Amazing Race has gotten to be a real favorite. It gives you a taste of the world with some good competitive excitement.
After years of working with all types of radio stations I don’t dare pick a favorite band. My taste is extremely eclectic.
What is your favorite gadget?
Hate to admit how much I love my iPhone. I’m sure the iPad will be in my future and possibly take the top spot.
What is something you can’t live without?
Something to do, whether it be a book, magazine, crossword puzzle, etc. Almost had a panic attack on an airplane once when I realized I had everything in the overhead compartment. The time until you could get out of your seat and I could get something felt like hours!
If you could change one thing about Baton Rouge, what would it be?
Education. There are too many kids not finishing school and too great of a lack of confidence in our school system. We can’t continue to grow if people won’t move here because of our education system. In 2011, CAUW will announce an initiative to address education. Talking about change isn’t enough, we want to start doing.
What is your greatest hope for Baton Rouge?
It feels like we are at such an exciting point in this city’s history, that there is a chance to take yet another giant leap forward. It would be great to see us grow and have a real pride in improvements in education, infrastructure and community.
What is your greatest fear for Baton Rouge?
That we won’t have the confidence needed to make changes and we will have to wait another 20 years for opportunity to come our way.
