Proudest professional moment: Starting my own business as a consultant to government agencies. After years of advising businesses on how “easy” it was to get through the red tape of government, I now have a huge appreciation for how small businesses have to navigate through so many different regulatory environments in order to be successful. I’ll rely on lessons learned in consulting every day at the city of Vancouver.
First job: Picking strawberries in Skagit Valley when I was 11 years old. There I learned the value of hard work, and I got to buy a cool silver 10-speed bike.
Fun fact: I’ve got a travel bug. I’ve traveled across the country three times, I’ve been to every state and I’ve been to Mexico, London, Paris and Taiwan. I recently visited my son in Russia, where he was working for the Olympics and he got to run with the Olympic torch!
Favorite spot on a Saturday night: I live in downtown Vancouver, so that’s my favorite place to be on a Saturday night. I’m looking forward to all of the summer events (Three Days of Aloha? I can hardly wait for that one). I like the way Vancouver has a small town feel with big city amenities and infrastructure.
Favorite movie: Though it’s not technically a movie, I’m completely addicted to the Netflix series “House of Cards.” I just finished watching the third season and now I’m going to go back and watch it again from the beginning.
Music of choice: Female singer-songwriters like Norah Jones, Sarah McLachlan and Sara Bareilles.
Favorite place to eat: There are 47 restaurants in downtown Vancouver and Uptown Village, and it is my mission to try them all by the end of the year. Favorites so far are Niche, La Bottega and the Grant House (and anyplace that serves chocolate).
Motto/Inspirational quote: “Today is the best day ever. You can be whoever you want to be.” – Bill Lindberg, my dad
{jathumbnail off}
