Let’s start by looking back. Is there a formative experience from your childhood that has made you who you are today?

Dance was a very important part of my childhood. I studied all types, but focused most on ballet. The art of dance is a physical and mental one that takes years and years to learn, and likely can never be perfected.

How about people? Who in your life has had the strongest influence on you?

My mother has taught me so many things. She didn’t finish college as she married my dad at a young age. When I was in high school, she decided to go back to school to finish her bachelor’s degree. My mom studied late almost every night while juggling work, two teenage daughters and school — all with few complaints. I’ve never been more proud than when I attended her graduation. She taught me that if I never give up and work hard, good things will come.

And what did you yourself study in college?

I studied business administration with an emphasis on finance. I’ve spent my career in the investment management space, focusing on client service, operations and compliance — spending most of my time in a client-facing position.

So you enjoy working with people.

It’s been particularly helpful in this role. In compliance, it’s important to be a good business partner and come up with creative solutions while also following the rules, laws and guidance within our industry.

What attracted you to working at VMG?

The first 15 years of my career working in a traditional investment management firm gave me a great knowledge base and foundation, but I was so excited to have the opportunity to join VMG in the private equity space. The talent and commitment of the team, and the culture and growth within the firm really drew me in.

What’s your favorite VMG brand (past or present) and why?

Drunk Elephant resonates with me. The founder was a stay-at-home mom with no industry experience or entrepreneurial background. She had skin issues that she wasn’t able to correct with other products on the market. As her children became school-aged, she started thinking more about how she could try to solve these problems. She took many risks and dealt with many closed doors, but stayed true to herself and persevered. It’s simply a great story and product.

One of many at VMG?

Yep. These stories are what drive me everyday.

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