Q: Please tell us a little bit about your family.

My husband, Brian, and I met in college in 1986. We moved to East Dallas about 27 years ago and have been so fortunate to raise our two beautiful daughters, Kylie and Keira, both WWHS grads, in this terrific neighborhood. Brian and I met at TCU and have been together ever since! In fact, we are multi-generational Horned Frogs; my parents were both Frogs, as were both of our brothers and now, both of our daughters. I can safely say we bleed purple. Brian is a tech banker, and I work at Juliette Fowler Communities here in Lakewood. Oh, and we have a giant golden retriever, Ozzie Smith – my husband is a St. Louis Cardinals fan.

Q: Please tell us about your current, past, or future career. What do you love most about what you do?

I was just promoted to Chief Advancement Officer at Juliette Fowler Communities. Fowler is a 130-year-old intergenerational residential community and non-profit in the heart of East Dallas. I started my professional career in the art world, first at the Modern in Fort Worth, and then at the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. After moving about the country for a bit, we landed in Dallas where I worked at Tiffany and Co. until our family began to grow. I loved each and every moment home raising the girls, filling my spare time with volunteer work, travel, painting, and writing. We were so fortunate to participate in the care of my grandmother, which enlivened my love for the generations we as a society owe so much to. After her passing, I was called to Fowler and offered to take on any position they had open. I ended up as a content creator, social media manager, and volunteer coordinator. This led to development and fundraising – I found that asking for financial support for a worthy cause was oddly easy for me! I took a brief stint at my alma mater, TCU, as a major gifts officer, however, the pandemic did a number on my spirit, and I took a brief respite. While TCU will always have my heart, Fowler has my soul, so I asked to come back and here I am for what I see as my last professional chapter. While I will continue to write and paint in my spare time, being back at Fowler has given me an even deeper appreciation for the importance of community, and this wonderful organization is truly home to my spirit. Great things are happening here – for ALL ages!

Q: What are a couple of your favorite restaurants in our community?

My personal go-to’s are Hudson House and Toulouse, but I also love Mi Cocina, The Heights, Garden Cafe, and Mot Hai Ba. By the way, did you know Cosmo’s has INCREDIBLE food?

Q: How long have you lived or worked in our community?

Lived here for about 27 years, working on and off throughout that time!

Q: Who is the most interesting person you’ve met here in our community?

I’d have to say, my daughters! They were both born at Big Baylor and are six years apart. For the past 25 years, each of them have amazed me with their unique interests, talents, and generous spirits. They are both highly successful at life and just like all of us, have overcome some intense challenges. My eldest works in the exciting world of influence marketing and my youngest is studying sociology and environmental science at TCU. Both of them have deep callings to better the lives and situations around them.

Q: If you could travel anywhere in the world right now, where would it be and why?

Even though I’ve been many times, a long trip to New York City sounds good about now. I love the theater, the museums, Central Park, shopping, and the FOOD!

Q: What is one of your favorite movies? TV shows?

My favorite movie of all times is Auntie Mame – the one with Rosalind Russell- and oddly enough, I just started re-watching Green Acres, I guess I am nostalgic. Most recently I loved the Marvelous Mrs. Maisel, Ted Lasso, and Rainn Wilson’s Geography of Bliss.

Q: What advice would you give to people?

Slow down. Be kind. Listen with your heart. Give others the benefit of the doubt. Don’t take yourself too seriously. And this one is from my grandmother: use the good silver and china!

Q: What is something on your bucket list?

Writing and publishing a book!

Q: What is your go-to band when you can’t decide what to listen to?

Fleetwood Mac

Q: What current or former local business makes you the most nostalgic about our community?

Juliette Fowler Communities of course! We started as a home for orphans and widows and today we have almost 500 older adults and a home for young women in danger of homelessness, all living together, just as our original founders intended. Fowler has a massive archival repository telling much of the history of East Dallas.

Q: If you could choose anyone that is alive today and not a relative; with whom would you love to have lunch? Why? And where locally would y’all meet for this lunch?

I’d like to meet up with Dolly Parton and take her to lunch at Mi Cocina – Mambo Taxi’s included!

Q: What is your favorite thing or something unique about our community?

We have lived in four houses in this area and the home we have now is my favorite. We are right near Downtown Lakewood and Swiss Avenue. It is a magical place to walk your dog, stop for coffee or a glass of wine, stop and visit with neighbors. We love the friendliness and the proximity to town.

Q: Where do you see yourself in 5 to 10 years?

Right here in East Dallas! Hopefully, with some grandchildren nearby. Sorry girls, I had to say it!

Q: (Even for friends or family), what is something interesting that most people don’t know about you?

I’m an introvert, but no one believes me.

Q: What is the most beautiful place you have ever been?

Paris!

Q: Favorite month? favorite holiday? and best single day on the calendar?

December – Christmas! But my favorite day is August 3rd because it is my wedding anniversary.

Q: What would you rate a 10 out of 10?

Living in Dallas!

Q: Who inspires you to be better?

My husband’s and my parents – both sets. Neither of us have our moms, but we have our dads and our step-moms and they are all fantastic human beings!

Q: How do you ignite kindness in your community?

I think being accepting and inclusive are key. Invite the other in with warmth and compassion – whomever they are, it expands the beauty of our community!

Q: What is one or two of your favorite smells?

My grandmother’s perfume: L’Heure Bleu

Q: Finally, what 3 words or phrases come to mind when you think of the word HOME?

Freedom to relax. Ability to welcome friends. Ease of spirit!