Home and family 
Norfolk; partner Angie French and dogs Suki and Dolce.
What you do in your job 
At ESI I consult with businesses regarding information technology systems.
Education 
Numerous high-end technical certification schools, professional conferences and courses.
Career progression 
I en-listed in the U.S. Navy as an electronics technician. After six years active-duty, I left as a GS-12 equivalent, documenting and training the fleet on how to use and operate its Combat Systems. Eventually, I became an IT director for a nationwide defense contracting company. Mergers ultimately led me to work in the commercial sector as a high-end engineering consultant. 
Proudest business achievement 
Starting our own business with an Anytime Fitness franchise and opening two centers. 
Biggest factor in your success 
Confidence and belief in my authentic self.
Professional, business activities 
I am president of Hampton Road Business OutReach and involved in Hampton Roads Green Drinks, a social club for environmentalists. 
Volunteer and community activities 
I annually host “Dinner is Served” and “Dining Out For Life,” fundraisers for Access AIDS Care. For the Foodbank of Southeastern Virginia I have helped with The Taste of Hampton Roads, coordinated food drives at Anytime Fitness and volunteeried with an all-female group to sort warehoused foods. Recently, I was part of a benefit for The Dwelling Place, a shelter, and spent hours cleaning up the Ocean View beach. 
How do you balance your time?
With a calendar and support from my partner.
Biggest obstacles and challenges you face 
Every day, my job is problem-solving, designing solutions, communicating ideas and dealing with perceptions.  I walk into these situations knowing I am going to find the answer or path to resolve challenges. It is just a matter of when, how and who I may have to communicate with until I get those answers.
How have you overcome some of your challenges? 
Knowing I am going to overcome them and dedicating myself to creative thinking and persistence.
Professional goal in the next five years 
I plan to have my businesses in the “sharpen the saw” stage, which will allow for more time spent on philanthropic endeavors and city politics associated with inspiring diversity, economic growth and development.
Advice for women in the workforce 
If you do not know your place in the scheme of things, make one.
What you do in your downtime 
Ride my Vespa around Ocean View, host/attend dinner parties with great friends, travel, visualize/dream possibilities.
What gets under your skin?
Negative people.