“I believe all of us come into this world with a uniquely prescribed soul journey.  It takes courage to live it.”

My Journey

I believe we never get just one chance to find and fulfill our unique purpose in life. Embracing Second Chances, big and small, allows us the opportunity to live more fully, from our truth.  I’ve applied this mindset in my own life to give myself permission to start over again in my career and my relationships.

I went to law school, partly as an act of rebellion, because it gave me permission to use my voice and to speak out, regardless of the consequences.   And it also fed the curious and analytical part of me that enjoyed searching for the truth and the warrior who enjoyed defending it.

For twenty years I was David to Goliath, suing businesses and governments for violating the public’s trust by polluting lakes, rivers and streams. I spoke to the media, appeared in the news, on radio, and television.

It was purposeful work.  Sexy and rewarding, It made me feel very powerful. 

A decade later the same career that lit me up no longer did because my life had changed.   I had changed. 

I was no longer an ambitious law school graduate.  I was a mom to two young kids.  My nurturing and relational side was becoming stronger and wanting to be expressed.

I was restless and bored with the acrimony of litigation and the technical nature of being an environmental lawyer.

The ebb and flow of life were prompting me to listen, to pay attention, and to ask: “Why am I Here? What is my Purpose?” And the voice started becoming louder.

Rather than resist it I became curious.

I started reading more spiritual and self-help books.  I sought the counsel of a career advisor.  I began networking with more intention.

I tried a stint as a consultant to a well-respected national organization (that I thought was going to lead to my dream job), another as a career counselor and finally, I landed a job as a Vice President of Policy with an association. The pay was higher, the responsibilities more varied and the opportunities exponentially more creative and rewarding. 

Here is what I learned and want to share with you from navigating a lot of change in my life of change and my career.

·      Our true source of power doesn’t come from outside of us.

·      Titles give us power, authority, and often a profound sense of security.  But when we allow ourselves to become wholly defined by them it’s a vulnerable position to be in.   

·      Titles and roles can be stripped from us through a divorce, a layoff, financial setbacks, or any other of numerous changes.

·      Our true source of power comes from knowing and loving ourselves unconditionally.  When we are secure in ourselves and our identity its easier to be open to change rather than resisting it.

 My Truths

We attract certain experiences into our life in order to gain specific self-knowledge. It's a choice whether we accept these invitations as opportunities for growth or resist.

I believe everyone has a voice and it needs to be heard, especially when we are experiencing change. When we are silent we give away our power.

I believe change is both scary as hell and exhilarating. 

I believe compassion makes the world go round and love is the most valuable form of currency we have. 

I believe in “soulful pragmatism."   That we are inherently spiritual beings with a powerful  inner voice available to guide us. Our job as spiritual beings is to tune in and listen and then act.

Professional Background

In my coaching practice, I draw upon nearly twenty years of experience advocating for as well as teaching, speaking to and coaching social change organizations and their leaders about their power of leveraging their voice for greater impact and influence.  

• B.A, with honors, Northwestern University

• J.D., with honors, Chicago Kent- IIT College of Law

• Myers-Briggs Certified

• Attorney at Law: Terris, Pravlik and Millian, LLP, Alliance for The Great Lakes

• Of Counsel, Natural Resources Defense Council

• Vice President of Policy, Donors Forum

• Principal and Founder of The Advocacy Collective, LLC

• Professional Public Speaker, Media Spokesperson & Keynote Presenter

• Board Member & Volunteer: YWCA North Shore, Policy Committee, St. Nicholas Church, Young Center for Immigrant Children, Illinois Partners for Human Services, Illinois Social Service Advisory Council.