Our Women’s Leadership Circle shines a spotlight on an inspiring woman who is making an impact in her field, her organization, and her community. Through this blog series, we’ll share her story—her journey, challenges, successes, and the lessons she’s learned along the way. Our goal is to celebrate the diverse experiences of women leaders while creating a space for connection, inspiration, and growth. These profiles not only recognize remarkable women but also empower others to lead with confidence, authenticity, and purpose.

My team and I are the masterminds behind all the branded goodies you somehow end up loving to hoard - think tote bags, water bottles, the branded T-shirt you live in, or the one pen that writes suspiciously well. Some of my responsibilities include juggling marketing goals, budgets, putting presentations together and working with both domestic and overseas suppliers to turn logos into stuff that people actually want (or at least don’t immediately toss). Equal parts trend-spotter and professional swag curator, my goal is to make sure a brand sticks in people's minds and is always memorable, too.

Universal Marketing is a family-owned business that specializes in the embroidery and screen printing of apparel and other swag. For the past 30 years, our company has been helping customers enhance their corporate image through its promotional products. Our goal is to bring brands to life by turning logos into fun, memorable experiences that people actually keep.  Basically, we are your brand’s "hype crew" — making sure you stay seen, remembered, and talked about.

One of my biggest challenges has been getting over my fear of speaking in front of groups—yes, a salesperson who used to hate public speaking. Go figure! Now I make it a point to put myself out there by volunteering (which I love), mentoring, and speaking at schools. I gladly jump into networking events instead of avoiding them. Having an amazing circle of like-minded women cheering me on, and a manager/boss that gives me an extra push when I need it,  has made all the difference in the world to me.

The best advice I’ve ever received: it’s better to try and fail than to spend your life wondering “what if". It's followed by - what doesn’t kill you will only make you stronger!

Are you passionate about a favorite sports team?  I’m a huge Green Bay Packers fan… much to the dismay (and maybe a little disdain) of my fellow Illinoisans! Visiting Lambeau Field has been on my bucket list for years, and I’m finally going this year to see my beloved Packers play. Fun fact: it’s the only community-owned team in major professional sports in the U.S.—fans literally own it. Go Pack Go!