Milestones in a career and life are a wonderful way of inspiring our emerging young leaders. Please share a proud or “magic moment” that shaped your journey?

When I became a partner at Aird & Berlis coming off of my maternity leave.

Who were your major influencers/mentors (up to 2) and what were the key lessons you gained from them?

1. My dad, he owned a small business, and taught me the value of hard work.
2. All of the incredible women in my practice group at Aird & Berlis. Not only are they the best at what they do and have very successful practices, they are good people. A special shoutout to Kim Kovar who involved me in challenging files, which pushed me to become a better lawyer.

What do you think are the next big challenges we need to tackle as an industry and as a successful city-region? Are there specific things you think we should be doing to meet the challenges?

As an industry, we need to proactively expand and upgrade our infrastructure in order to help unlock development. There needs to be better collaboration between all stakeholders to address funding issues around infrastructure.

Tell us how you champion others in the industry.

Asides from my role on my firm’s Associates Committee, I make myself available to connect with others (whether in a mentorship capacity or otherwise). Relationships are important in our industry and I’m happy to help others (particularly more junior colleagues) develop their own. Also, I believe that it is important to share with others my personal experiences in navigating my own career so far.

What is your secret talent no one knows you have?

Drawing and painting.

What is the best word to describe you? And Why?

Dependable.