1. Where were you born and raised; current city; family; hobbies; past business highlights...
I was born in Chicago, IL, but my parents moved to California when I was a young girl. I spent most of my life in southern California - Los Angeles, Santa Monica, and now San Diego, where I have lived for about a year and a half. I am a proud mother of three amazing adult children. My son, James, is a Gold Builder in my organization. He has been my rock and is one of my strongest champions in this journey.
I am a retired attorney, but I have always enjoyed entrepreneurship. In the past, I have sold health products, dabbled in real estate, owned a catering business, and have had a consulting business. Now I am in the most rewarding enterprise of them all as a marketing specialist and business owner in the travel industry. I love to travel. I am an avid reader. I enjoy all types of dance and, whether I am cooking or eating, I am obsessed with delicious food! As a matter of fact, I am such a foodie that I travel just to experience food culture in different places. Another fact some may find surprising is that while I have a strong academic background, I most enjoy mystery novels and Marvel and DC comics (there are times you can find me in full costume at events like Comic-Con). In addition to these activities, I am an amusement park fanatic!!! Disney, of course, is a favorite, but I can close down any roller coaster park at any time!
2. How have you grown or personally developed since joining PlanNet?
Our leaders model a system of professionalism and excellence that I have never experienced in any of my previous endeavors. Their examples and training have given me the tools to truly evaluate myself as a team player, a leader, and an entrepreneur. I have grown to better understand how to take decisive action, how to work through doubt and rejection, how to be accountable for my actions, how to open myself to criticism and coaching, and how to help other people do the same. The genuine teamwork and relationship-building have enabled me to be a better listener and to better understand the needs of each person I come in contact with. This has been a tremendous help to me in business, but more importantly, in my personal life.
3. What drives you; what motivates you?
I was a product of a divorced family, a ‘latch-key child’ who had to grow up too fast. Although I was a smart student, I was also a troubled student who was considered “at risk.” Fortunately, I was blessed with a group of adults around me – teachers, school administrators, godparents – who were determined not to lose me. These people, by their example, tough love, and faith turned my life around. My drive comes from my desire to repay all of the dedicated role models who took a “girl from the hood” and gave her a world of opportunity. From the time I was a young adult, it has been my mission to do the same for others. I have lived my life and have focused my career on doing work that helps empower those who have not seen a way to help themselves. I am motivated not only by civic and community responsibility, but also by parenthood, and the desire to show my children that living a fulfilled life is integrally related to improving the lives of others. Because of the vision of Mr. and Mrs. Bradley, I now have a vehicle that makes it easy to reach out and do just that. Now, my motivation comes from my desire to model the standards of excellence established by our leaders so that my family, friends, and community are empowered with the same level of opportunity that has been given to me.
4. Who would you consider a role model and why?
I have far too many role models to count. There is the entire village of teachers, administrators, and family who showed me that I did not have to be a victim of my environment. Mother Teresa's selfless dedication to others, the wisdom and universal leadership of Gandhi and Dr. Martin Luther King, the trailblazing courage of Justice Thurgood Marshall and President Barack Obama have left deep and abiding impressions in my heart and soul.
However, it is my 33-year-old daughter, Jennifer, who is my most significant role model. Jennifer has suffered from chronic severe medical conditions since she was a very young girl. She never experienced a “regular” teenage life or the kind of enjoyment most young adults experience. Despite her challenges, Jennifer has lived a rewarding and amazing life. Medical problems caused Jennifer to delay her entrance into college, but once enrolled, she volunteered for mission trips to disaster-ridden Louisiana, Mississippi, and Haiti. She helped develop a youth ministry on campus, and eventually assisted in the establishment of a local church. And, while enduring ongoing health problems, Jennifer became a Magna Cum Laude graduate of Mercer University.
Unfortunately, Jennifer's illness has become more challenging in her adult years. She lives in chronic pain, has ongoing medical emergencies, and continues to be at risk of developing major life-threatening conditions. This has adversely impacted every aspect of her life – her relationships, her work, her finances, and even her ability to just relax. But through it all, Jennifer smiles, does not complain, and remains one of the hardest working people I know. Her faith has remained so strong that she is now an ordained minister. She perseveres with grace, kindness, humor, and forgiveness. No matter how many times she's knocked down, she persists, and insists on living each day as a new opportunity for great things to happen. I have learned so much about the importance of life, faith, and hope from taking this journey with my daughter. In time, I hope to be at least half the woman she is.
5. The three words that describe you best are:
Passionate, Resilient, Giving.
6. If you had some sound advice to give to anyone what would it be?
Whatever you think your purpose is in life, act on it now! Don't wait for better times or until you are more accomplished. There is a place in the world for each of us to make our mark and be the people we are destined to be. Just be willing to be taught. Be open to new experiences. Never stop learning. And always continue to evaluate your “real” self.
7. What does your life look like five years from now?
Five years from now, I see myself as the evidence, the role model, and the example for anyone who thinks there's something better for them in life. I am the one people will point to and say, "If she can rise from being a troubled teen in the inner city to a respected professional, to a seven-figure income earner who has helped hundreds of people live the life of their dreams…so can I !!"
