Welcome to Brazen Careerist!

About Me

I’m ambitious and confident, two characteristics I’ve found since moving to Chicago, although I suspect they were there all along. I’ve had unexpected, sometimes unfair, things happen just like everyone else but I’ve somehow found a way to come out ahead and for that I am grateful. I’m witty and precocious at times and unorganized and overwhelmed others. I have a Yorkshire terrier named Henry who is the love of my life (thus far) and undoubtedly the cutest (and best dressed) dog in the world. I have developed a love for Stuart Weitzman high heels and who ever I end up with will have to be comfortable with “Stewie” because I make no apologies for my extravagance when it comes to shoes (oh okay, I might as well add pet apparel to that statement.)

This wouldn’t be much of a “bio” if I didn’t mention my job, because I work more than your average “Belle”. If I’m not with clients, then I’m at my desk with my laptop, blackberry, iPhone, office line, and fax, just trying to find a way to get work done faster. Between juggling work and personal life, I sit on the Board of Directors for the NAPMW Chicagoland and I also Chair the Programs & Networking Committee for the IMBA. I am a volunteer and huge advocate of Operation HOPE as well as a number of volunteer initiatives throughout the city of Chicago. I am a founding member of the Chicago Chapter of Dining For Women, which is a non-profit organization that supports various women’s groups around the world. One thing I know for sure is that by helping others, you help yourself tenfold. There are times when I feel that I spread myself too thin but 99% of the time my career and community involvement is exciting and challenging in a way that everyone dreams of. This journey is nothing like what I imagined it would be, but there really isn’t anything about my life that is. However, with every year that passes, I’m thankful that life really is full of surprises and I hope they keep coming.

I have fantastic mentors and have formed friendships with the most fascinating, unique, fun, influential, and genuine people the world has to offer. Because of their support, I have been prepared for some amazing opportunities when they came my way. I am so grateful every day that I made the decision to move to Chicago. If you haven’t been to the Windy City, you must come and there is no better time than summer time to make the trip.

Above all, my family has everything to do with the person I’ve become and the place in my life that I’m at. They have been supportive of every decision I’ve made, even if they didn’t agree with it. And when I’ve learned lessons the hard way, they’ve been there to encourage me to continue on the path that I’ve chosen. I may not always lead the life they’d choose for me, but they’re proud that I’m living a life I love and one that is right for me.

In addition to all of the important things to know about me above, there are a few randoms that should be included. I make friends with anyone I meet, and when I’m comfortable with someone I can be quite funny. I love Chicago, Shu Uemura eyelashes, reading in bed on Sunday morning while drinking my venti Starbucks, white towels, just about any HBO series, my Chanel sunglasses, Cabernet, Chubby Hubby ice cream, having a garage parking spot for Chicago winters, movies, first dates, sushi and miso soup, wine bars, Whole Foods, champagne, shoe shopping (even better if done while drinking champagne), spending time on my balcony in the summer, Oprah, delivery services, dressing up, watching football at bars in jeans and a t-shirt, summertime, sunshine and all of my amazing friends.