My love of advertising began with the black and white photography of Ritts, Meisel, Sorrenti….the greats that put jeans, accessories and underwear (thank you, Marky Mark!) on the map — and led to a buying frenzy for all things Calvin. Including by me.

Back then, I wallpapered dozens of these evocative ads on my bedroom walls, and stared at them each night. The simplicity of all felt so masterful, elegant even — even if edgy.

I became intrigued with how the intersection of thoughtful product design or well-considered services, fair pricing and distinctive positioning could meet consumer needs, capture brand fame (+ buzz) and drive significant revenue. Creating value beyond dollars as a result of effective, eye-catching, engaging work — now, that’s money!

And while I liked Calvin’s wares, I appreciated the company’s bold ethos more. Recall the ads (now iconic) that featured inclusive and diverse representations of people. It felt like the brand was giving people a platform and a voice when few were. Culturally resonant and boundary-breaking, it was abundantly clear to me that diversity, equity and inclusion mattered in the messaging put forth — over 20 years ago. And, it still matters today — more than ever.

Viscerally, I knew that I wanted to be a part of an industry that could change the way people perceive and consume, as well as make societal impact — whether on a micro or macro scale. Both are important.

So just like that, I enrolled at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill to study journalism and media. Upon graduation, I headed to Chicago, and I never looked back.

The career path I have traveled has been nothing short of intoxicating, unpredictable and incredibly rewarding.

From roles at world-class companies like Apple, Intel and Levi’s to posts at global/regional advertising agencies and as a freelancer (one cross-channel project landed my client’s memoir on The New York Times best seller list in three weeks!), I relish uncovering truths, problem-solving, ideating, and unconventionally producing content that make people feel something “more.”

More confident, more productive, more knowledgeable, more calm, more healthy, more stylish, more connected, more joyful, more beautiful, more protected.

And, I’ve met, collaborated with and been educated by some pretty awesome people along the way. I could never have come this far alone, and I am truly grateful. It has been quite the ride!

Big on partnership, lifelong learning + possibility, I continue to look to friends, former colleagues, talent spotters and strangers alike to find “what’s next” — now or future state.

CV available upon request. I’m ready to explore.

Let’s chat!

Company I’ve kept

(a mash up of various client-side posts, agency accounts + freelance projects)

Client Marketer. Ad Agency Maven. Freelancer. Team Wrangler. Hoops Lover. Charlie’s Mom.

I get pumped up (if not geeked out) just thinking about new ways of working together to craft strategic frameworks, drive meaningful and award-winning integrated marketing communications, shape compelling content and build enticing brand experiences for consumers to notice and enjoy.

More about me here.