Why did you decide to get involved with Unicorn Children’s Foundation? 

I decided to get involved with Unicorn for two reasons.  The first is because of a neighbor who introduced me to Unicorn and I greatly admire her belief in and devotion to the mission of the Unicorn Children's Foundation. Secondly, I wanted to broaden my own volunteer interests which have principally focused on the elderly poor. 

What part of Unicorn Children’s Foundation do you get most excited about?

I am most excited by the spirit of the people who volunteer for the organization and who put their heart and soul into the annual charity events.  All the people I have met while volunteering for Unicorn and serving on the board share a passion for children and young adults and their passion is contagious. 

What is your profession?  What company do you work for and what is your position?

I am retired and am a "recovering" lobbyist.  I spent 30 years in Federal Government Relations, first working on Capitol Hill for a U.S. Member of Congress and then with a large energy trade association in Washington D.C. , The American Petroleum Institute. 

During my career I found it very important to keep a sense of balance, to know what was really important in life so I always volunteered to keep things in perspective.

How would you describe yourself?  

I am a dedicated and a hard-working person, a loyal and positive person. I like to associate with people who see the glass as half full. I am opinionated and curious.  I like to laugh and have fun.

Please share something about yourself that others may not know.

My first language was French. I am a first generation American, the first in my family to go to college.

What is the most important thing you have learned over the years? 

Listen, be patient, be kind and always believe that it can happen. 

Do you have a motto, or some words of wisdom, that has guided you through your life? 

Yes. Be positive! It helps you get through the hard times.  Be kind, it helps others get through their hard times. 

What is your vision and hope for the future?

Tough question –  start small…….Public civility and then reach….a cure for cancer and an end to war.

What do you still hope to accomplish?

 Too many things to list here.

What is something your parents taught you that you will never forget?

My parents taught me to always help others and treat people the way you want to be treated.

How do you stay so motivated and committed?

I read the newspaper each day and realize how fortunate I am.  That fact propels me. 

Is there a special “aha” moment in your life when you knew “I get it now!”?

I am not certain that a special "aha" moment has happened yet.

What are you most disciplined about?

I am most disciplined about being on time.   

What are your favorite leisure time activities or hobbies? 

I love to spend time with my family and friends.  I love to cook, paint, read and golf. 

Is there an inspirational book you have read that you would recommend to others?

Yes, "The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane." The book was recommended to me by a nine-year old who loved it.  I have given copies of it to other young children and recently shared it with a 90 year old gentleman I visit.  He, too, was quite inspired by the book.

If you were going to be on a Space Shuttle for about a year, what one item would you have to take with you?

I would take a Kindle (and a big, big, big bag of chocolate). 

What would you still like to learn how to do? 

I would like to master Excel and speak Spanish. 

How do we get our young people more interested in charitable giving and community volunteering?

I believe that we get young people more interested in charitable giving and community volunteering by setting a good example for the young people we know and asking a young person to come volunteer with you.  I also believe that the concept and practice of community service hours is a very positive force.  

What can we personally do to make things better for future generations?

I believe that we can make things better for future generations by starting to make things better in our own neighborhoods and communities.