MEMBER SPOTLIGHT

My core values are anchoring principles which have shaped and guided me throughout

my life, include:

1. Living life without regrets - It's better to have tried and failed than always wonder what if:  - This is my grandmother's wisdom which has profoundly shaped my life. This value motivates me to take risks, pursue my passions, and step out of my comfort zone. It's about embracing new opportunities, learning from failures,

growing from the challenges, and knowing that I gave it my all.

2. Leaving the world a better place, including all living things: 

- This value drives me to contribute positively to the world around me. It inspires me to take actions that benefit others and the environment. It's about making a meaningful impact, inspiring others, and living with compassion.

3. Enjoying the journey of life - life is about the journey not the destination:

- This value reminds me to savor every moment, appreciate beauty in the small things, and find joy in the process. It's about living fully and authentically, cherishing the journey we're on, and embracing the experiences that life has

to offer.

- Being an active member of our community and being of service to my neighbors is one of the things that brings me fulfillment and joy. I currently serve as vice president of a local business association and have served on

the City of Fort Lauderdale Parks, Recreation, and Beaches Board because I enjoy advocating for the things I care about and want to help make our town the very best place it can be. I’m also a proud volunteer and supporter of

programs benefiting disadvantaged youth and providing new opportunities forfuture professionals.

- Another one of my greatest passions is being on and in the water - whether it's boating, scuba diving, snorkeling, paddleboarding, or simply enjoying the beach. My dream is to spend a few years living on a boat with my husband after retirement, immersing ourselves in the timeless serenity of the ocean.

- My husband and I also share a deep love for travel. Exploring different cultures, learning the history and arts of cities and towns, trying new foods, and experiencing the many beauties of our diverse planet brings me so much joy. It's the learning, connections, and growth that I truly cherish.

My friends would describe me a compassionate, social, high-energy, fun, reasonable, collaborative, persistent, and someone who always loves to dance!  

My biggest support system across all areas of my life, including my journey as a member of the LGBTQ+ community has been my friends and family. When I first came out (as gay) to my childhood best friend, she went through her

school's LGBTQ support groups to learn how she could best support me. She got me through some challenging times. 

Growing up in a Catholic family, I thought I would be rejected for being gay. Instead, my family has embraced me and my husband fully, and they’ve supported me in the most amazing ways. I am truly blessed by the people around me, but I know not everyone has the same journey. That’s why I think it is so important for schools to have LGBTQ+ support programs for vulnerable kids who don't have support systems otherwise. It's really a matter of life and death for these kids. 

 I love purchasing art from local artists and whenever we travel. All of the art in our home has a story and a wonderful memory. My favorite piece is by an unknown artist we found when traveling with my mom in Cinque Terre, Italy. 

It's of a blue rowboat on the beach, with the beautiful blue ocean and sky in the background -encompassing all of my favorite things and a wonderful memory with my husband and my mom.  

 My advice is to be yourself and never compromise who you are and what you want. Follow your dreams no matter how big they are. Enjoy the wonderful journey of life. And most importantly, don't try to grow up so fast. 

When I was young, I couldn't wait to be where I am today. I was so focused on my schooling and building the perfect career that I missed an amazing opportunity that I think back on often: having a change to fully immerse myself

in the culture of another country through a study abroad program in college. The dream has not gone away, it will just have to wait until after retirement! 

So, the specific advice to my younger self would be to study or live abroad, learn a second language, and travel as much as possible!

 I've always felt called to serve my community and help use my skills to create solutions on a larger scale. 

After a long and winding academic experience, I became a college professor and department chair (this was something I NEVER thought I would do because I was not the best student, and usually gave my teachers a difficult time)! But I absolutely loved teaching and academic leadership and used my own academic challenges to help students in ways I wasn’t helped. The biggest reward was seeing students succeed and thrive - from helping them grasp complex topics to witnessing their graduation and landing fulfilling careers, their success brought me a profound sense of satisfaction. 

When I decided to leave my 17-year academic career, the university named a scholarship after me for my leadership strengths in innovation, collaboration, and persistence. It was the biggest honor, and I am carrying those skills forward in my new journey as a candidate for Fort Lauderdale City Commission. I know that I will make a difference in our city by bringing our community together and protecting the things we love.

My special skills/knowledge I love to share with my friends, neighbors, colleagues, and former students is turning vision into reality. I also love

connecting and collaborating with others to build community.