“Because I said so” was the typical response my mother would give me when I would ask “why?” with the curiosity and/or defiance and indignation that only a child can muster. It was my favorite question then, and it’s my favorite question now. I love understanding and the act of achieving it, and then poking holes, so we can arrive at a better understanding. This core truth has led me to opportunities that allowed me to develop a range of skills, including affordable housing and corporate compliance oversight, training & development, software implementation, insurance policy management, and government and client relationship management. I’m a problem-solver who thrives on developing and delivering strategic solutions to corporate clients and agency partners and eliminating barriers for employees and customers on the frontlines. “Problem” doesn’t have to be a four-letter word. Problems are opportunities to increase understanding, reach more favorable outcomes, and, perhaps most importantly, build and strengthen relationships with the parties struggling with those problems in the first place. Collaboration and community are vital to humanity’s success as a species; we’ve made it this far because of each other.Technological and scientific advancements mean we are living in a world where new challenges and questions arise constantly and old ones that have lingered in the shadows have fewer places to hide. “Together” is how we solve them, and that is true at every level. I take pride in my skills, accomplishments, and integrity, but most of all, I take pride in my relationships. It is critical to believe in yourself, but having others believe in you is its own kind of magic, especially when you’ve earned that trust. Building relationships has gotten me where I am today and will take me where I’m going tomorrow.