Age: 35
Business: Illinois State University
Title: Green Building consultant /instructor, Department of Technology
Education: Illinois State University: B.S. in Philosophy/Women's Studies, M.S. in Technology (Project Management/Construction Management)
Awards/Honors: McLean County United Way Volunteer of the Year nominee (1998); YWCA Women of Distinction - Community Service Category (2005); Member of The Economic Development Council's New Leadership Board (current); Illinois State University Department of Technology Outstanding Graduate Assistant (2008-09 academic year)
Still hope to accomplish:
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Life presents so many unanticipated opportunities, and I hate to hem myself in! The following is my current list: I hope to have a lasting, positive impact on the physical makeup of my community. I want to earn a Ph.D. I hope to build some great houses and help people renovate their spaces in ways that bring them joy; make sense for them and for the environment. I'd like to create enough space and freedom in my life to take more chances. I want to help change how people experience and interact with their environment. I want to become a really good bass guitarist.
Community service projects: I'm involved with the U.S. Green Building Council's regionalization committee for the LEED Neighborhood Development rating system. I've volunteered with Habitat for Humanity, locally and nationally for years, and I am working with the ISU-IWU student chapter of Habitat on their first LEED rated houses. I'm also involved with the Ecology Action Center and their great educational and service opportunities.
Vision for leadership: The most effective leaders are those with their sleeves rolled up doing the work. I have learned through my work and volunteer activities that action inspires and that people will follow leaders who walk the walk. We create change through action -- through cooperative action.
Biggest influence: One person? I can't narrow it down. I've had incredible mentors in Deb White at CDV, Jennifer Sedbrook at Habitat and Alison Bailey at ISU -- all strong, committed women doing great (and very different) work. My life partner, Tom, is my biggest fan -- always certain I can accomplish whatever I've set my mind to and sure I will do it brilliantly. My dear friend Lora gives great advice, has incredible perspective and is really on the journey with me.
Leisure time/stress buster: Leisure time usually involves something with two wheels. I love my bicycle, and this is a great area for riders! Between the trail and the beautiful (flat) countryside, there are great options no matter how much or little time I have for a ride. I also enjoy riding my motorcycle, whether it's a quick spin around the lake or a cross country adventure.
My current favorite stress buster is my hula-hoop -- you can't help but smile and laugh as a grown-up trying to hoop. Yoga is a mainstay in my world. I began my practice over a decade ago, and it really helps keep me balanced.
Ideal day: I feel like I get a disproportionately high number of ideal days! Most of them involve time outside on a bike or on some water, time with family and friends, great conversation, interesting reading material, good music, and perhaps some nice dark beer and/or Coffee Hound coffee.
Favorite charity: Habitat for Humanity. I love the incredibly visible, tangible difference volunteers make in the lives of homeowners and in the community. Habitat is an organization addressing multiple issues on a local and global scale. The focus is on a global conversation about the importance of safe, healthy, affordable housing for every person. It also allows me to combine my passion for housing affordability and green building -- perfect.
