This is my public declaration of priorities.

Put another way, it’s my answer to “What are you doing now?” based on the Now movement and as inspired by Susannah Fox.

Work
My #1 priority is to encourage change agents to use all science can offer and do the heart work of inspiring hands toward positive action and sustainable impact by solving problems and changing behavior with forward-thinking solutions.

Lately, this looks like:

• Youth-Centered Design. Returning to my roots, much of my today involves co-creating a better future with youth, for youth.
• Financial Well-Being. Social marketing was born in the public health community. These days, I’m working to bring its power combined with informed decision making, behavioral insights and design innovation to “non-traditional” areas such as financial well-being and social justice—for young families, vulnerable consumers and widows/widowers.
• Disruptive Leadership. I’ve earned my RTI stripes, allowing me to flourish better as a disrupter who leads by mobilizing our digital impact and innovation tribe than coloring in the administrative lines. And it’s been a liberating, rewarding experience.

Recent Projects: United Way’s Our Money Needs Calculator; Auto Loan Online Calculator, Puerto Rican Zika Prevention Campaign, The Exchange, Consenter

Personal
It’s been a wonderous 10+ years working in the field for good. My two longest tenures to date—IQ Solutions and RTI International—involved creating teams from the ground up. And while successful, it took a toll on my health, on relationships I hold most dear, and on clarity in mission and no one seems to talk as much about these inner challenges and the heart work they require. Especially women. And us working moms can be the worst at it.

Personally, I’m on a mission to change that. Lately, this looks like:

• Connection. As Jen Hatmaker proclaimed in a recent podcast, I too don’t buy into the scarcity principle. Our world needs more people, more women who will persevere in the pursuit of passion and purpose—whatever that looks like for them and their families. While I may not currently have direct reports, I have soul reports. Rockstar women I am being intentional in building authentic, two-way relationships where we turn striving into thriving—and our families, our clients and our world all benefit.
• Community. On Fire. I’m moving from behind the screen to connecting with people in real-life. Through book clubs. Neighborhood dinners. Coffee dates. Community gatherings. And we’ve put roots down in making a church family.
• Care. After prioritizing “all the things”, 2018 started with a priority of self-care, through the support of Danette May’s 30-day health challenge. It’s done wonders—physically, mentally, spiritually, offering a better “me” I can bring to “all the things”.

The greatest challenge has been quieting that inner voice that speaks lies to us, that seeks to pull our spirit down. To not buy into what that voices says as I scan LinkedIn updates or step up to the podium. To accept progress over perfection. To lead with vulnerability and my full self.

Current Inspiration

• NPR Hidden Brain. Shankar Vedantam uses science and storytelling to reveal the unconscious patterns that drive human behavior, shape our choices and direct our relationships. Highly recommend The Lonely American Man episode for all boymoms, moms and really, anyone who care about how this phenomenon may impact society.
• Katie Couric’s Wonder Woman Podcast Episodes. Maggie Haberman, Rep. Maxine Waters, Cecile Richards, Kara Swisher, and many more amazing women offer their experience with humor, delight and wonder. My favorite? The interview with Rep. Maxine Walters. Her words “reclaiming my time” still echo with both personal and professional meaning.
• Present Over Perfect. When you finally hit the ground from trying to “do it all” (I’m looking at you fellow working mama), pick up this quick read, get some friends together and discuss. Make all the highlights. Reclaim your spirit, connect with your purpose, invest in self-reflection. There’s no other priority like you that can make all the others fall into place.