Who is your mentor, and how did he/she shape your career?

I’ve been lucky to have a few mentors from various backgrounds, various ages and demographics. I’ve tried to learn from everyone I meet because mentors aren’t always older than you, or your boss. Sometimes the best lessons can be learned from your peers. Throughout it all, though, my mother has been one of my go-to mentors. She’s been a role model for me in life and career and learning how to balance it all. She has taught me how to be your own person, how to stand up for what you believe in and how to make opportunities happen (with a lot of hard work).

How did you discover your passion for what you do?

I’ve been fascinated by politics since I was in high school. My parents were politically active, and we always had lively conversations around the dinner table or while we watched our favorite show at the time, “The West Wing.” I always wanted to move to Washington, D.C. to work in politics. A mix of luck, good timing and some logistical work on my resume from being an Educational Leadership Consultant with Delta Zeta got me working on a political campaign, which then brought me to D.C. I learned quickly that the intersection of politics and communications was a fast paced, ever evolving space that needed adaptable professionals. Keeping up with digital communications over the last few years has been a fascinating study of how people communicate and connect online and offline.

What words of wisdom do you live by?

A boss of mine recently told me about Brene Brown, a researcher and storyteller (and fellow Texan) who has spent the past two decades studying courage, vulnerability, shame and empathy. She says that you have to “walk through vulnerability to get to courage, therefore . . .  embrace the suck,” practice gratitude every chance you can, and have the courage to believe you’re enough.