Magic Moment: The most notable ‘magic moment’ for me was when I found urban planning as a profession in my last year as an undergraduate student. Until that time, I couldn’t see a way to apply my interest in places, politics and people. When I realized there as a career path out there for me, it was transformational.

Key Influence:
Joe Berridge: I had the benefit of working with Joe directly for the first few years of my career. The long car rides to many in-person meetings (imagine!) provided a space for discussion and reflection on many topics and time for personal relationship building that was invaluable. With Joe, I observed the delicate balance of hard and soft skills required to get things done, and the art of clear communication.

Cyndi Rottenberg-Walker: Cyndi’s mentorship has supported me both professionally and personally. From Cyndi I have learned a model of professionalism that is grounded in technical competence as well as strategic and critical thinking. Her support has elevated and inspired my own practice.

Next Big Challenge As An Industry: Understanding the long term impacts that Covid has had on our cities and how that might change our fundamental assumptions about core land use planning and development directions will be something to watch. As an industry we should be wary of only looking to ‘getting back to normal’ — what can we do differently now that we may never have considered before? How can we push ourselves to reflect on the premise, challenge it, and bring new ideas forward?

On Championing Others…: Recognizing the achievements and contributions of others to as large an audience as possible is so important to elevating voices within the industry; making connections between people to enrich their personal networks.

Secret Talent: I have a pretty extensive knowledge of oldies music from the 60’s and 70’s and I’m an excellent addition to a wedding dance floor.

One word that captures you: Curious. I love learning about new things, figuring out systems and processes, and expanding my knowledge, particularly about history and our natural environment.