Q: What is your favorite aspect of being a leader? 

A: My favorite aspect of being a leader is that leadership has nothing to do with your title or tenure at an organization. Anyone can be one.

Q: What advice do you have for women aspiring to be leaders in their field? 

A: Sit with the smartest woman in the room and then invite someone else to join you. Smart women appreciate boldness and the woman who you helped won't soon forget your kindness.

Q: Can you name a person who has had a tremendous impact on you as a leader?  Maybe someone who has been a mentor to you? Why and how did this person impact your life?

A: Ronelle Sellers has made an impact on me because she very simply listens. Every one of us is moving quickly and someone who stops and pays attention is rare. Our conversations also make my load feel a little lighter and like someone "gets me." I try and model her willingness to slow down and listen for a minute.

Q: Approximately how many years have you been involved with CWLI and in what committees do you participate? 

A: I've been involved off and on since 2010. I participated in Women Mentoring Women in 2011 and I'm currently part of the alumni group taking on our first CGLA mentees.

Q: What strides do you think members can take to make more of a difference in women's leadership issues in the local community? 

A: To start, just know what's going on at a basic level - I'm always amazed at how many people in Chattanooga miss big, impactful decisions from our community leaders, elected officials or business leaders. You can't make an impact when you're not knowledgeable about what's going on around you. I make a point to, at the very least, follow local news outlets via social media so the occasional mindless scrolling is slightly redeemed. I also take breaks at the office to just simply read the paper - it's a calming practice in a busy day and I almost always learn something helpful personally or professionally.

Q: How would you best describe the benefit found in joining this organization?

A: Regardless of industry, age or passion - we ALL want to better ourselves and better the experience women have in the workplace. How can you not love that?