Young people are revolutionizing the workforce, leading the way in new technology, inclusive spaces and a push for a healthier work-life balance.
Each year, we search for Chattanooga's best and brightest professionals under the age of 40. We receive hundreds of nominations, and the selection process is as challenging as it is inspiring.
Now, meet Chatter's 2023 20 Under 40. They're scientists, art curators and entrepreneurs. They are parents and volunteers with eclectic interests that range from singing to powerlifting to 1990s cartoons.
Here, we introduce you to Chattanooga's future leaders who prove it's possible to lead a fulfilling life at work and at home.
Photo by Matt Hamilton / Jenna WrightJenna Wright
Owner, Southern Soul Yoga
Age: 36
Where did you eat lunch today?
Southern Squeeze.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
I never settled, and I always speak up. Good enough isn't good enough. If it's not great, I move on or I level up — that goes for relationships, careers, friendships and finances.
Guiding principle or mantra?
What's meant for you will never pass you by.
Best vacation you've ever taken?
My favorite vacation was with my husband, driving through the Florida Keys. I love the ocean and live music. We rented a Camaro convertible and drove from Key Largo to Key West and stopped at almost every key on the way.
What's something you're looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to expansion and innovation in life and in business. My husband [Southern Soul co-owner] and I are very motivated to take Southern Soul to the next level with more locations in Chattanooga and some locations in surrounding cities. Personally, we are looking to expand our family. We aren't sure what that looks like yet, but we are excited about how it will fall into place.
How much sleep do you usually get?
To bed at 9 p.m., up at 5 a.m. I need a solid eight hours.
Photo by Olivia Ross / Jason RobertsJason Roberts
President, Avenger Logistics
Age: 38
What's a book you recommend to everyone?
"Outliers" by Malcolm Gladwell. This book will teach you a completely different way to look at success and just how important all the little things are towards your growth. Particularly as a parent, this book helped me realize how important the foundational years of a child's life are to their development.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
That I am a good husband and father. My biological father was a poor example of what a father should be, and it's the most important and rewarding task I've been given in my life.
Best advice ever given to you?
Know that everything you say and do is measured by those around you — whether you realize it or not. Some will follow you, some will celebrate you and some will resent you. You can't please everyone, but as long as you hold to your principles, you will continue to grow and develop into a better leader. My boss, who has seen incredible success throughout his career, gave this advice to me as we were being acquired and folded into a much larger brand.
Other than work, do you have any special talents?
I am a singer. If you look through the annals of the Times Free Press, I'm sure you can find [that I was the] "Voice of Chattanooga" winner in the mid to late 2000s.
How much sleep do you usually get?
Roughly seven hours.
Photo by Matt Hamilton / April HollandApril Holland
Corporate Transactional Lawyer, Miller & Martin
Age: 39
Best day on the job so far?
The best day so far was when I was made a member [partner] of my firm — a lifelong goal of mine finally achieved.
Podcast recommendation?
I enjoy listening to "The Tim Ferriss Show" [business podcast] when I have the opportunity. He interviews fascinating people, and his wide-ranging, long-format podcast allows for a deeper dive into new and differing perspectives.
What cheers you up on a bad day?
Going for a long family walk with [my] kids and dogs around our neighborhood.
Where did you eat lunch today?
Mindy B's Deli. I have a rotating list of regular lunch orders there.
Other than work, do you have any special talents?
I am pretty decent at ideating and starting DIY house projects that I then require my husband to finish. I am also excellent at finding my kids' very specific lost Lego pieces in the mountainous pile of broken Legos in our de facto Lego/office room.
What's something you're looking forward to?
Being able to travel more with my kids as they get older.
How much sleep do you usually get?
Six to seven hours. Wish it was more like eight to nine!
Photo by Olivia Ross / Cole WebsterCole Webster
President, The Barn Nursery
Age: 32
What's a book or TV show you recommend to everyone?
Most of the books I read are Stephen King, so I don't think I would recommend [those] to everyone. However, recently, I watched "The Founder," which is about [McDonald's founder] Ray Kroc, played by Michael Keaton. His determination and persistence coupled with different business lessons have had me watching it over and over again.
What cheers you up on a bad day?
Three things: Spending time with my wife, partner and best friend, Gabby — it doesn't matter if this is lunch, a quick phone call or a walk around the neighborhood; a phone call with my dad, mentor and business partner; and lastly, my dogs [and also] customers' dogs. I think if [The Barn Nursery] was not a dog-friendly business, I wouldn't be able to make it.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
Thirteen-year-old me would probably be bummed that I am not in the NFL.
What's something you're looking forward to?
Over the next six to 10 years, I want to double the size of our company. I also look forward to what we will be doing through Lana's Love Foundation. My parents started Lana's Love when my sister passed away from childhood cancer in 2006. In recent years, I have found a burning passion for this foundation, heading up fundraising efforts. This year, we will be starting a men's group to support dads and siblings ... in need [of being] around others who are also going through a similar time. I am excited to see how my sister's legacy will outlive any of us.
How much sleep do you usually get?
I average between five and hours. I really don't sleep a lot.
Photo by Olivia Ross / Micah WoodsMicah Woods
Owner/ Veterinarian, Ooltewah Veterinarian Hospital
Age: 39
Best day on the job so far?
The day we neutered a kangaroo is probably my favorite day thus far as a veterinarian and practice owner. After being open for only a few weeks, we received a call from a local petting zoo about neutering their 3-year-old, full-size red kangaroo. We thought it was a prank call!
What's a TV show you recommend to everyone?
"Deadliest Catch." There is just nothing like watching a crew on a boat deck somewhere off the coast of Russia, away from their loved ones, working 36-plus hours straight amid an intense winter storm to really put things into perspective.
What cheers you up on a bad day?
In my field, every day has its ups and downs. I can walk out of one room after delivering devastating news about an older patient and into another greeted by the bright, thrilled eyes of children holding their brand-new puppy. Breathe in, breathe out. My wife, our boys, our amazing staff and just about any baby creature that comes into our hospital can help lift my spirits and put a smile on my face.
Best advice ever given to you?
SLOW DOWN. Sounds simple, yes, but this has been repeated to me by multiple influential people throughout my life. Getting ahead of yourself or a situation is a surefire way to make a careless mistake.
Other than work, do you have any special talents?
If you asked my wife, my special talent would be matching my 90-plus pairs of New Balance sneakers to my daily [scrubs].
How much sleep do you usually get?
Usually seven to eight hours — depends on if I get up when my alarm goes off at 5:30 a.m. to work out or not!
Photo by Matt Hamilton / Clark Brewer Jr.Clark Brewer Jr.
CEO/Director, Huemans Outdoors
Age: 39
Where did you eat lunch today?
Packed a lunch — tuna sandwich [with] boiled egg in it, of course — have to have egg in it.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
That I decided to not allow any of the immaturity from that age to shift my adult-life narrative for the negative.
Guiding principle or mantra?
As my grandmother, Jacqueline Anderson, always says, "Keep-a-living!"
Best vacation you've ever taken?
I don't truly believe I've taken a real, full vacation. But anytime I can do absolutely nothing without anything falling apart is a small but cool "vacation."
Best advice ever given to you?
Be gentle with yourself. As leaders, we beat ourselves up better than anyone, right? It didn't resonate truly until trials came, and my life partner, Saquoyah Moore, uttered the words.
Other than work, do you have any special talents?
Writing music and performing.
What's something you're looking forward to?
Being a part of a movement that's bigger than me. Huemans Outdoors is my initiative to create a safe haven for youth and young adults outdoors to help with stress, depression and mental health issues. The goal is regular weekly programming to give them something else to do outside of sports. [The Black Outdoorsman] is my new initiative to use my passion for the outdoors to motivate and inspire others to explore and appreciate nature. Some say outdoor adventure can be "whitewashed"; well, book me, The Black Outdoorsman, to be your guide. It is important that people of all colors feel a sense of ownership in the beauty of nature, as it encompasses a diverse array of hues. This is nature's program, and God is driving.
How much sleep do you usually get?
Five to six hours.
Photo by Olivia Ross / Dr. Kia RuffinDr. Kia Ruffin
Community Forward Schools Coordinator, City of Chattanooga
Master's Level Therapist, Intentional Healing Empowerment Center
Age: 31
Best day on the job so far?
I was asked to join the Bloomberg Harvard Innovation Track Cohort along with other City of Chattanooga employees from different departments. We were tasked with developing innovative ideas to resolve an issue within our city. Our team chose to remediate youth gun violence. We held several focus groups with the youth within the city. There was one session in particular where the youth spoke really freely about what they needed from mentors ... and we ended the session with a stroll-off/dance battle, if you will.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
I would say moving to the beat of my own drum and using my voice to advocate for others. When I was younger, I was very reserved and quiet. At the age of 13, you really don't know the path that you will take in life. You are just living and growing. Through my life experiences, I knew I wanted to go into a career field where I could help others and advocate for those who feel unheard or unseen.
Podcast recommendation?
These days, I am really into listening to podcasts. Some of the podcasts are truly empowering, and I hope to one day start a podcast of my own. A few that I listen to are "Nice & Neat The Podcast," "Woman Evolve Podcast," "Therapy for Black Girls" and "She & I."
What's something you're looking forward to?
I am really looking forward to growing in my career and accomplishing a few more goals. I am also looking forward to traveling to a few places this year. Traveling is my happy place as well. I started 2023 off by traveling to Jamaica. It is definitely time to book another flight.
How much sleep do you usually get?
I believe I get eight hours of sleep per night.
Photo by Matt Hamilton / Nathan BirdNathan Bird
Civil Engineer, RaganSmith
Age: 29
Best day on the job so far?
The day I found out I would be working on The Bend, a 70-acre project to transform industrial ruins into a walkable, mixed-use urban neighborhood, was a bit of a dream come true. Likewise, finding out I would have the opportunity to work on the Westside, rebuilding a historic public housing district.
Podcast recommendation?
I have to be a bit selfish here and recommend my own podcast, "Chattanooga Civics." I think local government is extremely important, but there are so few resources available when it comes to local civic knowledge. I'm trying to fill that gap by providing long-form interviews with local elected officials and other civic leaders.
What cheers you up on a bad day?
I almost always look forward to my commute home. I am lucky enough to be able to ride my bike 2.5 miles from my office to my home. My path is mainly on the beautiful Tennessee Riverwalk and always in sight of Lookout Mountain.
Best advice ever given to you?
"Anything worth doing is worth doing poorly." I have always tended towards perfectionism and a certain paralysis that comes with it. It is always hard for me to start a new thing because I think I won't be good enough at it. This quote always helps me remember that it's often better to simply try something and learn as I go rather than getting caught up thinking of all the ways it could go wrong.
How much sleep do you usually get?
I probably average around seven to eight hours at the time of writing [this], but my wife and I are preparing to welcome our third child, so I might be getting quite a bit less sleep by the time this goes to print.
Photo by Olivia Ross / Justin TirsunJustin Tirsun
Vice President of Neighborhood Investment and Community Engagement, Chattanooga Neighborhood Enterprise
Age: 39
What's a book you recommend to everyone?
"Nexus" by Mark Buchanan and "Tipping Point" by Malcolm Gladwell. Both of these books tackle the same topic of network theory — the whole idea that the world we live in is so interconnected by small-world connections.
Best vacation you've ever taken?
Many years ago, my family went on an Alaskan cruise. I was lucky enough to go kayaking through glacial valleys [and] visit remote Alaskan and Canadian towns I would not normally be exposed to.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
I would like to say that my 13-year-old self would be proudest [of] the work I've done to help families find homes ... The reality is, I think the 13-year-old version of me would be most impressed that I married such an intelligent, sarcastic and beautiful woman.
Guiding principle or mantra?
"The purpose of life is not to be happy. It is to be useful, to be honorable, to be compassionate, to have it make some difference that you have lived and lived well." — Ralph Waldo Emerson
How much sleep do you usually get?
Generally, I get eight hours a night, but it really depends on how many times our cat wakes me up.
Photo by Matt Hamilton / Heather KennedyHeather Kennedy
Chief Architect, BrightSpring Health Services
Age: 38
Where did you eat lunch today?
I had my favorite fried green tomato BLT and collard greens from the Screen Door Kitchen in Dayton, Tennessee. It can seem like a long drive from downtown Chattanooga, but the modern Southern food is worth the windshield time.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
My 13-year-old self would be proud to know I transformed my then-weaknesses into strengths. My speech therapy for my speech impediment willed me into speaking at several national conferences. My hyperactivity, big personality, oversharing [and] wandering mind are now seen as an enthusiastic, strong conversationalist, compassionate human and as having the ability to see linkages in complex concepts.
Guiding principle or mantra?
Never beg for a seat at the table when you can build your own table.
Other than work, do you have any special talents?
Art. I dabble in all the mediums but practice oil pastels the most.
How much sleep do you usually get?
On average, five to seven hours a night.
Photo by Olivia Ross / Lily SanchezLily Sanchez
Communications and Development Manager, La Paz Chattanooga
Age: 29
Best day on the job so far?
La Paz's Latino community center grand opening and ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 17, 2021. It was incredibly validating and inspiring to receive the support of so many community members and advocates. To hear directly what La Paz has meant to them and share in the dreams and vision for the future of our organization made all the hard work worth it.
What cheers you up on a bad day?
Usually, if I am having a bad day, it's because I am practicing a bad pattern of overthinking, so I like to get out of my head and do something physical where I use my hands or body.
Best vacation you've ever taken?
In 2019, my college best friend and I planned a weeklong California adventure in Los Angeles and San Francisco. Our favorite childhood movie is "Princess Diaries," so in San Francisco, we visited the famous arcade at Fisherman's Wharf where the Queen arm wrestles, prints a photo booth strip and eats a corn dog for the first time — we did it all!
Best advice ever given to you?
Like many other millennials, I have some trauma related to money and financial literacy. My parents are immigrants, and we didn't grow up wealthy, but my dad once told me and my siblings, "You're always going to owe money to someone, whether it's student loans or your property taxes, so don't let your debts stop you from living your life." He obviously meant it responsibly and within reason, but that advice has helped me create a healthier relationship with money and how I live my life within my own means. I'm ordering the avocado toast!
How much sleep do you usually get?
I typically get around eight hours of sleep, even on the weekends.
Photo by Olivia Ross / Jessica CloudJessica Cloud
Vice President of Automation & Innovation, HomeServe
Age: 39
What's a book you recommend to everyone?
"Daring Greatly" by Brene Brown. She explores vulnerability and empathy that applies to relationships across the board. It has changed the lens of how I lead, parent and empathize with my spouse.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
That I use the term "nerd" as a badge of honor now. Being called names in school didn't deter me from leaning into that term and being the best nerd I can be! Being a smart girl is starting to trend hotter, and I'm here for it. I've never let others sideline my ambition.
Best vacation you've ever taken?
For my husband's 40th birthday, I surprised him with an eight-day trip to an all-inclusive resort near Akumal, Mexico.
Other than work, do you have any special talents?
Before kids, I was a competitive powerlifter, having competed at nationals and a 330-pound deadlift. I dabble around when I have time but am looking to get back on the platform again soon to show my two young girls that women can be strong in many different arenas.
How much sleep do you usually get?
Try for eight [hours]; can function on seven.
Photo by Olivia Ross / Malcolm HarrisMalcolm Harris
Director of Marketing and Community Engagement, Steam Logistics
On-Air Talent, The Brewer Media Group
Age: 28
Best day on the job so far?
Of all my days at Steam, the most memorable one was undoubtedly the 2021 Christmas party, where I was honored to receive the Impact Person of the Year award.
Where did you eat lunch today?
Thai Smile — the unofficial cafeteria of Steam Logistics.
Best vacation you've ever taken?
I went on a lot of cruises as a child with my aunt as she sang as an entertainer on cruise lines, so that was really cool.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
Thirteen-year-old me would be so happy we finally have a beard and hair.
Other than work, do you have any special talents?
Sports — especially football — are a personal interest and passion of mine.
What's something you're looking forward to?
In just a few weeks, my little sister will be starting high school, and I couldn't be more excited for her. Despite the 15-year age gap between us, she is my best friend, and seeing her embark on this new chapter in her life is truly thrilling.
How much sleep do you usually get?
Six to seven [hours] per night.
Photo by Olivia Ross / Jessica PilcherJessica Pilcher
Director of Strategic Partnerships, United Way of Greater Chattanooga
Age: 28
Best day on the job so far?
In September 2022, United Way of Greater Chattanooga turned 100 and celebrated this significant milestone by hosting two days of impact at over 100 project sites with hundreds of volunteers. For two days straight, our neighbors spent hours painting, shoveling, cleaning and moving to satisfy the unique needs of our community partner organizations. ... I watched my husband hand out quite literally hundreds of meals to our hungry neighbors throughout the city. ... We ended these two long days of service with a birthday party in downtown Chattanooga in front of our building, with birthday cake, local vendors and a dance party. It was truly the best day.
What cheers you up on a bad day?
There is nothing better than a puppy snuggle on a bad day. We have three dogs and a cat at home, and on my worst days, all I need is to snuggle with one of my fur babies to cheer me up.
Where did you eat lunch today?
I ate a lunch my husband packed for me — thankfully. I am not a morning person, so making my lunch in the morning is not top of mind if it means I can sleep for a few more minutes.
Guiding principle or mantra?
People matter. No matter the circumstance, people always matter.
Best advice ever given to you?
My therapist once told me, "Your past is not an excuse; it's a foundation."
How much sleep do you usually get?
I would love to say that I sleep eight to 10 hours per night, but it is definitely more in the range of six to seven hours.
Photo by Olivia Ross / Arielle HayesArielle Hayes
Principal, University High (a Hamilton County Schools program at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga)
Age: 38
Best day on the job so far?
For the past two years, I initiated an open karaoke option for students during their lunch block. It is definitely the highlight of the week for not only myself, but also for the students and cafeteria staff.
Where did you eat lunch today?
Typically, I do not eat lunch during the day during the school year, but during the summer hours, I always make it a point to be at Common House for lunch. They have amazing food, atmosphere and aesthetics.
Best vacation you've ever taken?
My husband and I love to travel. Our most recent out-of-country trip was to Colombia. What a fantastic country! We traveled for five days, visiting places such as Cartagena, Pereira, Filandia, Salento, the Cocora Valley and Rosario Island. We drank the best coffee, saw the most breathtaking views and had the best foods!
Best advice ever given to you?
"It's not how you start; it's how you finish." My first principal, Sandra Ervin, said this to me during a rough patch of my first year as a teacher in Atlanta. She reminded me that starting off strong will always be easy, fun and exciting because it's new and your "why" is clear, but being consistent and making a plan to keep the same energy from start to finish differentiates the good from great.
How much sleep do you usually get?
Being a mom doesn't always allow for a full eight hours of sleep, but I try to get at least five to seven hours if I can.
Photo by Matt Hamilton / Katherine Goforth ElverdKatherine Goforth Elverd
Director of Music Therapy, University of Tennessee at Chattanooga
Age: 38
What's a book you recommend to everyone?
Everyone should read "Beyond the Finish Line: A Story of Passion, Brotherhood & Relentless Determination," written by Brent and Kyle Pease. The Pease brothers are a triathlete duo, with Brent serving as the guide to Kyle, who was diagnosed with cerebral palsy as a young child.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
My 13-year-old self would be proud of me for selecting a helping profession with the ability to use music to enhance others' physical and mental well-being. ... Though I spend most of my time in the classroom, I cannot not mention my weekly clinical work, Trembling Troubadours, a therapeutic choir for individuals living with Parkinson's disease and their caregivers.
Best advice ever given to you?
The best advice I have ever been given was by one of my professors at Florida State University in my master's program, Dr. Alice-Ann Darrow, [who said,] "No good sentence has the same word in it twice."
Other than work, do you have any special talents?
I tend to be good at endurance sports, specifically road races and triathlons. I am a half-distance kind of girl — half marathons and 70.3 IRONMANs are where I am most comfortable.
What's something you're looking forward to?
Absolutely no grading for me over the summer!
How much sleep do you usually get?
On average, I try to get the prescribed seven hours of sleep per night. The amount of sleep I get is really dictated by what my schedule looks like day to day.
Photo by Olivia Ross / Caroline C. FlynnCaroline C. Flynn
Principal, Our Lady of Perpetual Help School
Age: 34
What's a book you recommend to everyone?
"The Power of Moments" by Chip and Dan Heath. Chip and Dan Heath are powerful storytellers who help any aspiring leader to think intentionally about the ways moments that seem small can create experiences of "extraordinary impact." It's beneficial to add that while this is a good book for leaders and managers, it has many practical applications for our daily lives in the way we frame our experiences with others and the way we can choose to see the world.
Where did you eat lunch today?
Candidly, I did not have lunch today. Typically, lunch is hit or miss. When I do eat it, it's usually at my desk.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
In an interesting turn of events, as a 13-year-old, I won "Principal for the Day" at our school's auction. I reveled in the opportunity to connect on a different level with faculty. ... Twenty years later, I think my younger self would be proud of my career path and would smile at the coincidence.
Best advice ever given to you?
Actions not words. ... It is not what you say; it's what you do. We can talk all day long about beliefs and dreams, but it's the actions that support those beliefs that make dreams a reality.
What's something you're looking forward to?
I'm looking forward to the new school year. Each year presents us with opportunities to grow and improve as individual professionals, students and a school as a whole.
How much sleep do you usually get?
On average, I receive eight to nine hours a night [of] sleep. I'm often early to bed — no later than 9:00 p.m., often around 8:30 p.m.
Photo by Matt Hamilton / Kreneshia Riellé Whiteside-McGeeKreneshia Riellé Whiteside-McGee
Art Curator, Kren The Curator
Age: 29
Best day on the job so far?
January 16, 2021: The day I debuted The Eye Exam. It offered a peek into the museum I'm in the process of building, which has been a dream of mine since high school. Curating an immersive exhibition during a global pandemic was challenging, but it was an amazing feeling to see everything come together and everyone enjoying themselves.
What cheers you up on a bad day?
1990s cartoons – "Rugrats," "Hey Arnold"– always calm me down. I guess because mentally, I get to go back to when things were easier. Also, random dance breaks are a must. No thinking, just movement.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
Staying in tune with God and true to my curious/creative self has led to amazing opportunities and relationships with beautiful people. She'd be happy to see that I found love in an artist that can cook, too.
Best advice ever given to you?
"The juice is worth the squeeze, I promise." My husband [Genesis The Greykid] is a poet and visual artist, so our conversations are always in color. He's my biggest cheerleader. This isn't the best advice I've ever gotten, but it's one of his many quotes that linger with me.
Other than work, do you have any special talents?
I'm a really nice pianist.
How much sleep do you usually get?
Six to eight hours. I aim for eight.
Photo by Olivia Ross / Kyle BryantKyle Bryant
Managing Partner, Market Street Partners
Age: 38
Best day on the job so far?
The day we launched our firm in June 2016 was the best day at MSP. We were excited about the future but appropriately terrified. It's been a great seven years since, and we're excited to see what the future holds.
What cheers you up on a bad day?
Spending time with my two boys. They are full of energy and curiosity that is contagious. They're still at the age where they think I am cool, so I am trying to enjoy that as long as possible.
What about your life today would make your 13-year-old self proud?
Probably that I don't mow my own yard and don't have to do some of the chores I was forced into back then.
Guiding principle or mantra?
"Comparison is the thief of joy." There are always people in front of you and behind you. I try to stay in the present and be grateful.
Other than work, do you have any special talents?
I'm not sure it's a special talent, but I enjoy grilling and cooking. My wife says I am good at it, but I am not sure if that's true, or if she just wants me to keep doing it so she doesn't have to.
How much sleep do you usually get?
Six to seven hours, depending on the season. I push for seven as often as possible.
Photo by Olivia Ross / Shelley KayShelley Kay
Senior Health Communications Research Scientist, ICF Next
Age: 37
Best day on the job so far?
Some of my best days recently have been seeing the CDC's drug overdose prevention campaign billboards go up around Chattanooga. As a researcher, you don't always get to see the fruit of your labor out in the world like that. It's an incredible feeling.
What's a book or TV show that you recommend to everyone?
I love "Ted Lasso," but I can't imagine that I need to recommend that to anyone at this point.
What cheers you up on a bad day?
When I have a bad day, I like to take what I call a joy ride, where I hop in my car, turn up the music and sing at the top of my lungs. I actually have an Apple Music playlist titled "Joy Ride Jams."
Best vacation you've ever taken?
One of the best vacations I've ever taken was to Napa Valley with my (now) husband. He proposed to me in a hot air balloon, and it was the best surprise! We are celebrating our 10-year anniversary this year in October.
Other than work, do you have any special talents?
I'm laughing as I type this response because I can see my friends and family members rolling their eyes, but I like to fancy myself as a human Shazam app. I can frequently name the song title and/or artist after listening to just the first few seconds of a song.
What's something you're looking forward to?
I am really excited about this road trip we are taking this summer to the Dakotas with the kids. Some of our stops include the Indy 500, Mammoth Caves National Park, Theodore Roosevelt National Park, Mount Rushmore, Wind Caves National Park, Devils Tower and the Gateway Arches National Park.
How much sleep do you usually get?
Seven hours.