What keeps me coming back to my job every day
The sense of purpose. My work directly supports an organization that serves the public and protects resources that matter to the community. Even on challenging days, that connection to meaningful impact makes the work worth doing.
What I learned from my first job
The value of responsibility and professionalism. Showing up prepared, paying attention to details and doing the work well, even when no one is watching, builds trust and credibility.
Best advice I ever received
To never say, “That’s not my job.” Even when something falls outside my role, it is my responsibility to help connect the issue to the person best equipped to handle it.
Biggest challenges in my career
Navigating leadership roles in predominantly male‑dominated environments. That meant having to work harder to be heard, to be taken seriously and to establish credibility. Those experiences sharpened my voice, strengthened my confidence and reinforced the importance of preparation and integrity. They also shaped my commitment to mentoring and creating professional spaces where diverse perspectives are valued.
How I knew this was my passion
Since high school, I have had a passion for environmental work. My position at LRWRA sits at the intersection of public service, accountability and problem solving. That sense of purpose, combined with the opportunity to support strong governance, made it clear this was where my skills and values aligned.
Nonprofit I wish more people knew about
Girl Scouts Diamonds of Arkansas, Oklahoma and Texas is often best known for its cookies, but that is only a small part of its impact. While cookies are a major driver of branding and fundraising, the organization’s true mission runs much deeper. Girl Scouts is designed to build courage, confidence and character, encouraging girls to dream big, lead boldly and believe in their own potential. The range of opportunities available — from leadership development to community engagement and life skills — surprises many people, and its lasting influence reaches far beyond what most initially realize.
Best career moment so far
Receiving a national award from a previous employer. That recognition affirmed something I had long believed: that doing hard things for the right reasons is always the right path for a leader. At the time, I wasn’t in a supervisory role, but the experience reinforced that leadership is defined by integrity and influence, not titles. It also sent a powerful message to those around me that honesty, transparency and ethical decision‑making are not only noticed, but truly valued.
A skill I never expected to need in this field
Nearly every professional role I’ve held has required at least a basic understanding of engineering concepts. When I was in law school, it never occurred to me that being an effective advocate would mean learning foundational principles outside the practice of law. That unexpected overlap has not only made me better at my job, but has also given me the opportunity to learn about subjects I never imagined would interest me, an aspect of the work I’ve come to genuinely enjoy.
One practice I use to maintain my mental health
About a year ago, I started playing mahjong, and while it may sound dramatic, it has become an unexpected anchor for me. Carving out time to gather with friends, both new and long-time, to talk, laugh, vent and focus on a game instead of the constant stress of daily life has been incredibly restorative. That sense of connection and presence has been more rewarding than I ever anticipated.
The one thing I wish people knew about my field
How much the stereotype misses the mark. Many people assume attorneys are paid exorbitantly well, operate in gray areas or exist largely as the punchline to a joke. In reality, most lawyers choose this profession to solve problems, serve others and uphold systems that require trust and integrity to function. The work is often demanding, nuanced and deeply rooted in ethics, and for many of us, it’s less about prestige and far more about responsibility, judgment and doing the right thing even when it’s difficult.
