I’ve been called a pioneer in the world of uniquely-talented people who feel empowered to go beyond conventional jobs and create businesses from unique vantage points and perspectives.I have a guiding belief that those working for themselves deserve the same respect, access to benefits and opportunities for growth as those working for corporations. It’s what drives my tireless fight to ensure this growing population of Independent Professionals are lifted up and celebrated for their courage and willingness to live their lives according to a new set of rules ... their own.In 2014 I started a Facebook group to help connect freelancers to work, later that year The Freelance Conference was born. In 2015 I and a small group of like-minded adventurers launched the Texas Freelance Association as a 501(c)3 nonprofit with a mission to support and connect freelance business owners. I didn't stop there.In 2017 I launched the first-ever Freelancers Choice Awards to highlight and celebrate freelancers that are inspiring others and leading local communities. In 2019 the momentum continues with the launch of the first network of week-long local events across America organized by freelancers for freelancers, Freelance Business Week and a like-minded community to share resources and facilitate conversation, FREECON.Community.When I’m not behind this computer screen I enjoy learning to garden, rowing, sailing a set of Caribbean islands, two-stepping across Texas and riding the mountain bike trails throughout Austin.