Senior Development Director, Alzheimer’s Association Minnesota – North Dakota

What do you do in your current role?

I have been with the Alzheimer’s Association for 17 years, in various development roles. I am constantly inspired by the mission of our work and get the privilege of helping people during some of the most difficult times of their lives.

How long have you been with the TRUST and what do you love about it?

I’ve been a TRUST member for three years. I participated in the Mentorship Program last year and highly recommend it. It was nice to have an extra set of ears during such a challenging time.

My advice to others is to get involved. As is the case with most groups, you get what you put in. Put the time in to go to events and meet new people. It might be the event planner in me, but I can’t wait to go to more in-person events!

Do you have a favorite TRUST memory so far?

The first kickoff meeting for the mentorship program was so exciting. There were so many women in the room there to support each other in growth and development. Little did we know it would be one of the last in-person events before the pandemic!

How have mentors helped you the most?

My mentor was a wonderful sounding board and listener for anything I had going on. I could share what was going on in my job and her outside, neutral opinion was helpful. We had so many “walking” meetings that helped me process the curveballs of 2020.

What is the best career advice you’ve received?

Take on a promotion or project if someone asks you to do it, even if it scares you. I suffer from a bit of “imposter syndrome” and need to remind myself of my professional value from time to time.

What support do you need now to evolve your development as a leader?

In the last year or so, I have realized I appreciate emotional intelligence and empathy as a leader, and am working to develop those traits in my own skills. We all want to work in an environment where we feel valued and seen, and with culture, that starts at the top.

How do you support other women in their leadership journey?

As a mom of two girls, I have a soft spot for working moms and especially new moms. I know firsthand some of the struggles that go along with a demanding job and a family, so I work to be supportive of mothers in that journey. I’m not above telling an embarrassing story or two to help make others feel better about that duality.

How do you cope with the demanding aspects of your career?

I truly unplug after the work day and on vacation days. I don’t get work email notifications on my phone. It’s helped set a culture of expectations on not working after hours.

How do you incorporate wellness into your day?

I really notice a difference in my mindset and mood if I haven’t been active, so I am trying to get outside to walk every day. We’ll see how that goes through the winter!

What is something not many people know about you?

I grew up on a hobby farm in Wisconsin showing horses competitively until I went to college. I can muck stalls and throw hay bales around like nobody’s business.