ABOUT ME

I was born and raised in another idyllic, happy city called Arlington Heights, Illinois, outside of Chicago. 

Over the years, out of my love for human connection and culture, I learned to speak three languages, traveled the world extensively for both work and pleasure, and quickly realized 18 years ago that Santa Monica is where my heart - and community engagement - belongs. 

My community leadership involves working to improve the quality of life for all residents. We still need to overcome some of the lingering effects of Covid to feel like ourselves again. Together we will get there. 

My experience as a professional marketing and branding expert has supported my efforts to work with our local businesses and help them thrive in creative, inventive ways.  I believe in the essential symbiotic relationship between residents and neighborhood-serving retail. We need both for a strong local economy. 

My global perspective allows me to see Santa Monica as the popular destination it is for so many around the world. We must continue to remain leaders in hospitality and welcome our visitors from near and far. Our #1 industry directly contributes to our high quality of life.  

My passion for sustainability and respect for the environment is evident in everything I do. As a passion project, I co-authored and published a children’s book about sustainability and climate change called The Super Sustainables: Facing the Drought. I’ll channel this passion into more progressive policies to ensure a sustainable future. 

My identity as a member of the LGBTQ+ community allows me to understand and have great compassion for the very real issues facing this group and other marginalized communities. I am committed to building more equity and inclusiveness so that historically unheard voices have a seat at the table. I will always use my voice to speak loudly for you. 

My heart for those less fortunate recently brought me to Poland to work with Ukrainian refugees who fled the war with Russia. My time there was intense and difficult, but worthwhile and helpful. I did my part to help Ukrainian women and children transition to a new life and reality. It was a stark reminder that we need to protect what we have and be grateful for our lives here, every single day. 

More than any words on a website, the best way to get to know me is to chat with me sometime, perhaps over the phone or face-to-face over a coffee. I’d be happy to share my views one-on-one and discuss my very real passion and creative solutions for Santa Monica’s future.