Hometown: Madison, Alabama

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Occupation: General Manager of Human Resources, Environmental Health & Safety, and Legal Affairs at an automotive plant

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Favorite quote: “Do the best you can until you know better; then when you know better, do better.” - Maya Angelou

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Personal motto: You’re never too old to set a new goal or have a new dream.

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Hobbies: I love enjoying the outdoors - kayaking, hiking, biking. Plus, it keeps me active and fit!

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Most cherished accomplishment: I became a widow at 42, and raised our daughters as a single Mom from the ages of 12 and 8. They are now 31 and 27, and are successful career women that love their families, and giving back in their communities. By far, they are my most cherished accomplishments.

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Cause or passion: My platform is “Thriving Women”, which is all of my community activities to promote financial independence among girls and women from disadvantaged backgrounds. I specifically work with at-risk inner city youth, victims of human trafficking, and female military transitioning to civilian life.

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Signature color: There isn’t one “signature” color, but I tend to have an affinity for shades of red and blue.

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Tradition or rule of etiquette:  Do what you say you’re going to do.

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A decision I made on instinct: Agreeing to a second date six years ago (in my second single life after being a widow), with the amazing man that is now my husband.

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A voice you carry with you from the past: I carry the voices of my grandmothers with me. They were both independent women far ahead of their time, that were an inspiration for me and many others.

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What do people misunderstand about women in their 50s? I believe that women in their 50s and over, are stereotyped as being past their prime, uninformed, and/or uninvolved. Instead, you will find us active in our communities, leaders in the workplace, and the backbone of families.

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A luxury you've learned to give yourself? I’ve learned to make “reflection time” daily for myself. This is time to pray, reset, or re-examine my priorities. It makes me better in every role I fill: Mom, Gigi, Wife, Daughter, Manager, Community Activist, Titleholder, Volunteer, Church Teacher, and Chamber Officer.