Tell us about yourself:
I’m a small-town Georgia girl at heart, born and raised in Cedartown—a rural community with just around 6,000 residents. Growing up, there wasn’t much to do locally, so we often ventured to nearby Rome, GA, for entertainment and to Atlanta for any real cultural exposure. After graduating from the University of Georgia, I got married young to a military officer who had graduated from West Point. We moved to Fort Campbell, KY, where I landed my first post-college job with the Chamber of Commerce.
I became deeply involved in rebuilding downtown Clarksville, TN, after a devastating F5 tornado leveled the area. I managed a multi-agency effort, utilizing federal and state grants to help restore the district. From there, I moved into military and government affairs, advocating for Fort Campbell and helping secure $250 million in federal funding for infrastructure and community improvements. It was a challenging yet incredibly rewarding role.
After my then-husband left the military, we moved to Wheaton, Illinois, in 2004 when he joined Navistar. That transition marked the beginning of my entrepreneurial chapter—I launched a home staging business that thrived in collaboration with local Realtors during the early 2000s. But in 2009, following a divorce and the downturn in the housing market, I sold the business and pivoted once again.
I joined Whole Foods Market as a store opening marketer during its major expansion phase from 2010 to 2012. I built local partnerships and implemented community-focused marketing strategies—a perfect blend of my chamber experience and love for relationship building.
In 2012, I became president of the Schaumburg Business Association, leading the organization for six years. That experience eventually inspired me to coach high-level executives and entrepreneurs, helping them prepare for Shark Tank, TED Talks, and keynote stages. I loved the work, but when the pandemic hit, live speaking came to a halt, and the remote coaching world felt isolating.
That’s when I knew it was time to return to what I love most—connecting with people face-to-face. In late 2023, I accepted the position of Executive Director at the Westmont Chamber of Commerce. It felt like coming full circle. The sense of unity and collaboration here is so refreshing. Unlike Schaumburg, where village-chamber relations could be adversarial, Westmont is built on partnerships. We’re all working toward the same goal.
What do you do here?
As Executive Director of the Westmont Chamber, I focus on fostering business success through advocacy, economic development, and community connection. I help local businesses network, elevate their visibility, and access resources at the state and national level. From hosting signature events like the State of the Village and Winter Ball to launching our brand-new podcast, I’m here to tell the stories of the businesses and people who make Westmont vibrant.
We support business owners through direct connections, advocacy, marketing support, and ongoing strategic programming—all with a shared commitment to making Westmont a dynamic place to live and work.
Tell me about your family:
I have two amazing daughters who are my pride and joy. My oldest, Adeline, will be attending the College of DuPage on a two-year scholarship where her full tuition is covered. She’s planning to become an art therapist—a beautiful blend of her passion for fine arts and her desire to help others. She’s incredibly gifted artistically, and I know she’ll make a real impact supporting people through healing, especially those who’ve experienced trauma or emotional challenges. Art therapy is such a meaningful field, and I’m thrilled she’s found something that aligns with both her talents and her heart.
My younger daughter, Isleigh is currently a junior and will be entering her senior year of high school. She’s extremely bright and academically gifted, though she’s still exploring where she might want to go for college. The University of Georgia, my alma mater, is on her radar, and it would be incredibly special to see her follow in my footsteps.
My girls are only 18 months apart, and raising them on my own hasn’t been easy. I got divorced when they were just one and two and a half years old. Being a single mom without family nearby—my entire family is still in Georgia—meant no built-in support system, no free babysitters, and no child support I could count on. It was all on me, and while it was incredibly hard, it’s also the reason I’m so proud of the independent, talented young women they’re becoming.
I’ve been married twice. My second marriage, which began in 2016, ended in 2020 under incredibly difficult circumstances. I am a survivor of domestic abuse—physical, emotional, and psychological.
I’ve grown stronger through everything, and I hope my story can empower others who might be going through something similar. Abuse doesn’t discriminate—it affects people of all walks of life. From the outside, no one would have guessed what was happening.
I survived. And I’m building a peaceful, purposeful life surrounded by the people who matter most—my daughters.
What do you love most about what you do? What I love most about my work is the people. I get to connect with so many different types of business professionals—entrepreneurs, corporate leaders, small business owners—you name it. The diversity keeps my days interesting and full of learning opportunities. I also love planning and attending events like the State of the Village, our annual golf outing, and the Winter Ball. There’s always something new on the calendar, and that energy keeps me inspired.
What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community? I’m a huge fan of international cuisine! Tapatio is my go-to for Mexican food, and Galaxy Sushi never disappoints. Neat Kitchen is also a favorite, especially for someone like me who’s vegetarian—I always find great options. Even Uncle Bub’s BBQ, which might seem like an unlikely choice for a vegetarian, has amazing sides like macaroni and cheese, mashed potatoes, and cornbread. The variety in our local food scene is a real treat.
How long have you lived or worked in our community? I actually live in Lombard, but I started working in Westmont this past December—so I’ve been here for just under six months. It’s all still pretty new, but I’m loving it so far.
Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community? That’s such a tough question—there are so many great people! But if I had to pick, I’d say Mayor Steve Nero. He’s only 39 and brings such fresh energy and vision to Westmont. His focus on economic development is already making a huge difference, and I believe he’s going to lead the community into an exciting new chapter. His background in community work really shows, and he’s already proving to be a transformative leader.
If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why? Tahiti—hands down. I’m a scuba diver, so clear water and marine life are my happy place. I dream of staying in one of those bungalows over the water where you can watch fish swim beneath you. It just seems like the most peaceful, picture-perfect escape.
What is one of your favorite movies or TV shows? “Meet the Parents” is my all-time favorite movie. I love a good fish-out-of-water comedy, and that one has me laughing every time. For TV, I’m a big true crime fan, and “Dateline” is my go-to. It’s fascinating to see how real investigations unfold, especially after my own life experiences. The storytelling, forensics, and courtroom drama keep me hooked.
What advice would you give to people? Kindness matters. You might not be the best at everything, but you can always choose to be kind. My dad used to say, “You catch more flies with honey than vinegar,” and I live by that. You never know what someone is going through, so lead with compassion—and if it’s not reciprocated, move on. Life’s too short.
What’s something on your bucket list? Definitely more travel. I want to experience more cultures, taste new foods, and immerse myself in art and local traditions. I’ve been fortunate to visit parts of Europe, Mexico, and the Caribbean, but there’s still so much of the world I want to see.
What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to? Taylor Swift! Her songwriting is phenomenal, and she just exudes kindness and authenticity. I was lucky enough to see her Eras Tour twice—once in Chicago and once in Indianapolis. Total dream come true!
What current or former local business makes you most nostalgic about our community? Since I’m still new to Westmont, I don’t have long-standing nostalgia just yet. But I’m really impressed by the diversity of businesses downtown. I’d love to see more boutiques and restaurants move in—there’s so much potential to grow while keeping that small-town charm.
If you could choose anyone alive today to have lunch with, who would it be and where? Martha Stewart, without question. She’s the ultimate businesswoman—resilient, innovative, and an incredible brand builder. I’d love to walk with her through downtown Westmont and have a candid conversation about life, business, and bouncing back from adversity. Plus, I’d make sure my house is spotless just in case she dropped by afterward!
What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community? Westmont has such a collaborative spirit. I love that we’re known for things like the Muddy Waters museum and the FMC Natatorium, which brings international swimmers to our town. Hosting the World Cup this October is huge! Westmont may be a small town, but we have global reach—and that’s something really special.
Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years? In five years, I’ll probably be adjusting to empty-nester life. In ten? I honestly hope I’m still here at the Westmont Chamber, watching it continue to grow and evolve. There’s so much potential, and I want to be part of the team that helps it flourish.
Even for friends or family, what’s something interesting most people don’t know about you? Pageantry! I’ve been involved in pageants for years—as a contestant, coach, and judge. I even passed that passion on to my daughter, who recently competed in her second event. Most people don’t expect that from me, but it’s a world I love and deeply respect.
What is the most beautiful place you’ve ever been? Underwater in Grand Cayman. There’s something magical about scuba diving and watching a sea turtle glide past you at 60 feet below. It’s peaceful, awe-inspiring, and reminds me how beautiful our world is—especially the parts we don’t always see.
Favorite month, holiday, and the best single day on your calendar? July is my favorite month—I’m a summer girl through and through. Christmas is my favorite holiday because of all the family, food, and Southern traditions. But Halloween is the best single day—I go all out with costumes, usually as a witch, and love every second of it.
What would you rate 10 out of 10? Taylor Swift’s “Midnights” album. Absolute perfection—no skips.
Who inspires you to be better? My daughters. I want them to see a mom who is strong, resilient, and kind. No matter what life throws our way, I want them to know they can rise from the ashes and thrive.
What are one or two of your favorite smells? Capri Blue’s Volcano candle—it’s heavenly. And the scent of a house at Christmas time: cookies baking, spices in the air—it just feels like home.
Finally, what three words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word “home”? Peace. Fulfillment. Relaxation.
