Education: Bachelor’s in environmental science from Northwestern University; master’s in environmental science and policy from Johns Hopkins University, MBA from University of Iowa

Hometown: Chicago

Family: Husband Patrick, sons Will and J.T.

Hobbies: Reading, walking outside, cooking for friends and family

Three notable accomplishments: 

• Elected chair of the United States Urban Arts Coalition by local arts agency peer leaders representing the largest communities in the U.S.
• Worked with a campaign cabinet to raise $2.5 million for an endowment to support youth arts access in Greater Des Moines.
• Convened a group of community leaders to complete Greater Des Moines’ Regional Cultural Assessment to directly align arts and culture with everything else the region is trying to achieve.

How have you helped improve organizations you’ve been a part of?

I think I bring a good balance of long-term visioning backed by capacity to implement. I can see the forest and the trees and can help others feel like there is a path forward, one step at a time.

What motivates you?

Doing the right thing.

Is there a memory or experience from your formative years that continues to influence your approach to life?

Growing up, I wanted to be a mermaid. As a young person, I was lucky to get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Oceanarium at the Shedd Aquarium in Chicago where I realized that my dream could come true. Because of that experience, I studied environmental science and at the age of 21, I was accepted for an internship at the Shedd working with whales and dolphins. Marine biology didn’t end up being my long-term path, but I know from personal experience that cultural access changes lives and I am grateful to play a role in our community that makes that possible for others.

What piece of advice would you give to others who hope to make a difference in their communities?

Start by finding something you truly care about and just volunteer. You don’t have to sign a lifetime commitment, and it’s OK if it doesn’t end up being right for you, but if you start with something that authentically matters to you – not just something you feel like you should do – you’ll be more likely to make a lasting impact.

What’s a current goal or accomplishment you’d like to achieve?

Right now I’m focused on raising two teenage boys to be good humans, but I’m also starting to think about my future once they are out of the house. I’m working on finding interests and activities that will fill my bucket (and my calendar!) when they are off to whatever comes next.

What is a favorite book, show, movie, podcast, etc., that you’d encourage others to consume?

“Wiser Than Me,” podcast by Julia Louis-Dreyfus.

How do you try to find balance and joy in the many activities you take part in?

We all have to do things we don’t want to sometimes, but when I have a choice, I try to only choose to do things that bring me joy. Sometimes the joy is in doing something hard that makes me feel useful or in checking something boring off a list. Sometimes the joy is attending a Bravo-supported event and seeing its impact on the community. But I’m a little choosy about where I spend my time so I don’t burn out or forget how lucky I am to have so many ways to engage in our community.

What is one of your guilty pleasures?

Haagen-Dazs ice cream (but I don’t feel the least bit guilty about it!).

What’s something many people don’t know about you?

I got to sing “Take Me Out to the Ball Game” with Harry Caray in the press box at Wrigley Field.

Read about all of the 2025 Women of Influence honorees