What is the best part of your job?

The best part of my job is I get to live out my passion: Empowering, Impacting, and
helping others advance their education. The best part of all is that I get to do it on my
own terms

Who has been the most influential woman in your life?

I know this may sound cliché but I would definitely have to say, my mother. For every
day that I am a wife and a mother, I appreciate her even more. She sacrificed so much
for my siblings and me so that we could live the amazing lives we have. She protected
us from all harm (fiercely I might add) and extends that same maternal bond to all of
her grandchildren. My mother’s mother died when she was five years old.

How do you measure your success?

I measure my success by my sense of fulfillment and inner happiness. I have learned
that my definition of success is not mainstream (defined by a dollar amount). When I
feel good about what I have done and can pat myself on the back, I know I have
succeeded.

What do you do to turn around a bad day?

In order to turn a bad day around, I try to focus on all of my blessings – the things that
I am truly thankful for. I also remind myself that a bad day is just what it is – A bad
day. A little music and chocolate never hurts either.

What is your guilty pleasure?

My guilty pleasure is anything chocolate. It is hard for me to say no. In fact, anything
sweet. And the Golden Girls every night at 11 pm on the Hallmark Channel.

What “DeW” leaders do?

Leaders develop other leaders. They lead by example and motivate. Leaders include
others and take initiative. Leaders establish relationships and are always open to
learn.

What is your dream vacation?

I have two dream vacations. The first would be an African Safari with my family. The
second would be a trip to Greece. Both would be two weeks, all-inclusive, all expenses
paid including wardrobe.

What is first on your dental bucket list?

To teach a room full of 100 dentists one of my instrumentation courses.

What movie always makes you laugh?

“Friday” featuring Ice-Cube and Chris Tucker and “Ace Ventura Pet Detective” (1 and 2)

What is the best gift you ever received?

There have been so many, especially the gifts given to me that were made by my
children. I have them all! Outside of that, I would say Mother’s Day 1999. My
husband called me from the dealership and told me to come pick up my new car
(Lexus GS 300). When I pulled up, they pulled the car off the truck, opened the door
and handed me the keys. All black, with dark grey leather interior. Totally surprised.

How do you take your coffee?

If I drank coffee, I would take it black and strong like my husband.  But alas, I will
have to settle for tea with honey.

What is your motto?

It will all work out in the end because it has to!

Do you have a secret sauce?

If I liked to cook I probably would.

What scares you the most?

Leaving my children behind.

Share something about you that someone would never guess?

I have an inappropriate sense of humor (I love to laugh), I used to sell real estate, and
teach Zumba classes 8 times a week