Hometown: Columbia, South Carolina
Who most influenced your decision to pursue your MBA?
My husband is my biggest cheerleader!
What was your favorite business course and why?
There are so many amazing professors and classes. My favorite has been Strategy Execution with Professor Jonathan Giuliano. I have minimal experience in strategy and learning about effective implementation was fascinating. It is certainly a bit of an art.
What advice would you give to an incoming MBA?
Have fun! This program will give you as much as you give it. Meet your classmates and make friends. I have found strong allies and cheerleaders in my classmates. They have been endlessly supportive and crucial to my journey.
What’s been your favorite memory so far at Scheller?
My favorite Scheller memories have been taking my daughter to the crawfish boil and introducing her to Buzz. There is nothing like seeing the Scheller community through a four-year-old’s eyes to make you appreciate how awesome it is!
What is the biggest lesson you gained from your Scheller MBA?
The biggest lesson I’ve gained is seeing the importance and strength of a diverse group of people. This program is lucky to have students from a wide range of professional and personal backgrounds, and I’ve learned that bringing together different perspectives leads to more creative ideas, stronger collaboration, and better solutions.
Where will you be working after graduation?
TBD!
What will you be doing to celebrate your graduation?
My husband and I are going to a black-tie holiday party with all our close friends the night of graduation.
Who would you like to thank most for your success?
As cliché as it sounds, I’d like to thank my kids and my husband. This degree was a team effort, and my team really answered the bell.
What is a fun fact about yourself?
I would be in interior design if left to my own devices, and I make a mean chocolate chip cookie.
What are the top two items on your bucket list?
- Riding on the Orient Express
- Visiting Japan
Who is your favorite business professor?
I have had some amazing professors, so this is a tough choice. But if I had to pick one, it would be Professor Jacqueline Garner. I learned an extraordinary amount of valuable Excel skills in her class. When I started the program, my Excel skills were practically nonexistent, but she was endlessly patient and provided all the tools I needed to develop a strong understanding of financial modeling. Now I can build a DCF and calculate WACC with the best of them.
Which classmate do you most admire?
Christine Coxon is one of the hardest working people I have ever met. She puts her best into every assignment, is an incredible teammate who always goes above and beyond and somehow balances a demanding job on top of school. Christine is the ultimate hype woman, and I am so grateful to have had her as both a great supporter and a friend throughout this program.
What actor would you cast to play yourself in a movie about your life, and why?
Oh! Cameron Diaz. People used to tell me we looked alike when I was younger, and “The Holiday” is one of my favorite movies!
What's your favorite place you've traveled to, and why?
I love Amsterdam. The architecture and the museums are amazing. It is always refreshing to be in Europe where you see people sitting down and catching up over coffee or a beer and not on their phones.
Favorite family tradition:
I love going to the mountains after Christmas. All our family is in and out. Nothing beats the cold mountain air, a fire, a good glass of wine, and family banter.
What is your proudest accomplishment?
I am incredibly proud of this degree, and juggling small children, a traveling husband, and school was not always easy. Of course, I am most proud of my kids; they are hard work but a ton of fun!
What did you want to be when you were small?
The president. (This was before I understood what stress was.)
What is your latest book recommendation?
“The Seven Husbands of Evelyn Hugo” by Taylor Jenkins Reid.
Favorite restaurant in Atlanta:
The Chastain. It is cozy, the perfect place to get together with friends, and the burger hits every time.
