Current job: I’m a civil engineer and the Southwest Washington operations director for Maul Foster & Alongi, Inc. (MFA). We are a consulting firm headquartered in Vancouver that specializes in planning, environmental science, engineering, GIS and health and safety services.
Proudest professional moment: My proudest professional moment was when I was asked to be on the Board of Directors for MFA. However, it’s closely followed by moments when my coworkers express gratitude for having me as a manager.
First job: My first job was working as a painter in the operations department of Lewis Clark State College in Lewiston, Idaho. I worked over the summer and one of my assignments was to touch up the dorm room walls to erase evidence of the previous years’ abuse.
Fun fact: I grew up in the small Eastern Washington town of Asotin. We had one elementary school and one combined junior high/high school. I had a graduating class of 36 students.
Favorite spot on a Saturday night: On Saturday nights you’ll find me at home relaxing and recharging my battery with my husband and two boys. They are just old enough that we can all enjoy watching movies together (see next question).
Favorite movie: My favorite changes often. Right now, I would pick “Star Wars: The Force Awakens.” I love Rey, and I can’t wait to watch it again.
Music of choice: My music choices vary, depending on where I’m at and what I’m doing – OPB/NPR in the car; Pandora hip hop and electronic radio at the gym; and at home it’s usually something mellow like Coldplay, One Republic or Mumford and Sons.
Favorite place to eat: Thai Orchid is definitely my favorite lunch spot. We don’t go out to dinner a lot. There are so many new places downtown now that I haven’t even visited. I need to get on that!
Motto/Inspirational quote: “It’s not the strongest species that survive, nor the most intelligent, but the most responsive to change.” – Charles Darwin
