Residence: Manila
Education: Bachelor’s degree in business administration-marketing and management, Mississippi State University
What was your dream job and why? As a kid, I didn’t have a title in mind, but I always knew I wanted to do something meaningful, something that would leave a mark on my community. I’ve always been driven by the idea of creating opportunities for people, helping families thrive, and improving the quality of life where I live.
What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far? The most fulfilling moment of my career was watching my first major project come to life, Yokohama Tire in West Point, Mississippi. There’s nothing quite like seeing a company open its doors, local residents start new jobs and knowing that the entire community will benefit for years to come. That project was especially impactful because West Point hadn’t seen a win in a long time and had been losing jobs to offshoring for years.
What character traits do you feel have benefited you in your success? Discipline and motivation are essential in economic development. The work requires a great deal of autonomy. No one is standing over your shoulder to keep a project moving. It’s up to you to stay focused and keep momentum.
What are some unique aspects of your job or business? Economic development is never boring. No two days are the same. Some days I’m out in the field walking potential industrial sites in boots and a hard hat, and other days I’m presenting to Fortune 500 executives or working with local leaders on housing and infrastructure plans.
How do you spend your time away from work? What are your hobbies? My heart belongs to my family. I spend my time with my daughter, Cate, my fiancé Jay Smith, his kids, and our “bonus crew.” We love traveling, discovering new places, and sharing new experiences together.
What advice would you give young women who are at the beginning of their careers? Be curious. Be confident. And don’t be afraid to step into opportunities that stretch you beyond your comfort zone. Early in my career, I said “yes” to things I wasn’t entirely sure I was ready for — and those experiences pushed me to grow the most. Seek out mentors, ask thoughtful questions, and listen closely to people who have been where you want to go.
If you have a bucket list, what are the top three things on it? I want to continue traveling the world and learning from new cultures; own a farm and homestead right here in Mississippi County; and launch a community project that leaves a lasting legacy and changes the trajectory of families for generations.
What’s the last good book you read? “Dare to Lead” by Brené Brown. It was a reminder that real leadership comes from courage, connection, and vulnerability.
What’s your favorite app at the moment? Canva. It makes it easy to bring creative ideas to life quickly, whether for presentations, marketing, or community projects.
Who have been mentors who’ve influenced your professional career? Joe Max Higgins Jr. was my first mentor, and he’s the one who truly ignited my passion for economic development. Brenda Lathan, from my early years in Columbus, Mississippi, gave me the kind of guidance, patience, and encouragement that shaped both my career and my character. Clif Chitwood, my current president at GREDF, has been an incredible guide in shaping my approach today offering insight, perspective, and the steady leadership example I strive to follow every day.