InterLeading is about leading from the space between - between who you are today and who you are becoming; between self and another; between self and the world at large - in co-creative ways. Whether you hold a formal leadership position or not, I believe leadership at its foundation is a way of being in the world that is rooted in ongoing learning and growth. It is an acknowledgment that we are all works in progress who exist in relationship, and that we thrive when our inner and outer worlds are in sync. Through assessments, coaching, and workshops, I support people in cultivating greater self-awareness, choice, and agency in everyday life so you can live and lead with purpose from the inside out.
My work is informed by experiences in my own life. Though my formal career has been rather linear and predictable, my life has been a spiraling journey filled with the progress and setbacks so typical of learning and growth. Over time, I've learned to navigate the inevitable with a set of personal practices that have served me well as a formal leader, a family member, a friend, and ultimately in the myriad roles we tend to inhabit over a lifetime.
While I was raised Catholic, I do not practice any particular religion. I'm much more interested in a sort of personal spirituality - one we each uncover for ourselves through reflection, action, and the ongoing development of deep connections with ourselves, with others, and with the world at large. I'm fascinated by the various ways that cultures across time and space have conceived of what it means to live a life of meaning, and how each of us individually chooses to uncover meaning and purpose for ourselves.
I enjoy contemplative practices, from meditation to writing to hiking in areas that allow me to practice amateur nature photography. I'm intrigued by discoveries in neuroscience, social psychology, and philosophy. I wonder about the mysteries of life. Mostly, I'm interested in the possibilities created when we loosen our hold on limiting personal and cultural narratives and venture into the murky lands where co-creative potential lives. I draw upon all of the foregoing in the work that I do with individuals and groups.
Emotional Intelligence Assessor, Six Seconds
Spiritual Emotional Intelligence Assessor, Spirit of EQ
Mentoring Activation Profile Assessor & Trainer, Leadership Shapers
Personal Leadership Senior Facilitator, PL Seminars
Certified Professional in Talent Development, Association for Talent Development
Founder/Owner InterLeading, LLC, 2026 - present
Development & Learning Manager, City of Dubuque, 2021-2026
Human Rights Director, City of Dubuque, 1999-2021
Founding Board Member, Multicultural Family Center, 2009-2021
Past President, Iowa League of Human Rights Agencies, 2018-2020
Inaugural Member, Government Alliance on Race & Equity, 2014-2021
Inaugural Board Member, National ADA Coordinator Certification Program, 2010-2011
Past Vice President, Regional Executive Council on Civil Rights, 2005-2006
Woman who Makes a Difference, Telegraph Herald Salute to Women Awards, 2020
Local Women Leaders in Peace & Justice, Dubuque International Day of Peace, 2016
Nominated for Women of Achievement Award, Women's Leadership Network, 2008, 2009, 2012
Spirit of the ADA Award, Great Plains Disability Business & Technical Assistance Center, 2012
Telegraph Herald Newsmaker, 2007
Ruby Sutton Humanitarian Award, Dubuque Branch NAACP, 2005
Rising Star, Tri-State Business Times, 2004
Up and Comer, Telegraph Herald, 2001
J.D. Magna Cum Laude, University of Iowa
B.S. Psychology with Honors, University of Iowa
Intercultural Professional Certificate, Intercultural Communication Institute and Portland State University