On Challenges
Most challenging career moment:“In the private- and investment-banking world, there are very few African Americans and African-American women. I feel as though I’m establishing myself. I’ve had to stay the course. Some excellent women helped, and I’ve had wonderful support systems. I love the business.”
On Gender Discrimination
“Earlier in my career, a person who was supposed to train me had some biases against women. He just wasn’t sure that I was as smart as I was. Fast forward about six years after that, this gentleman told me how proud he was of me. You have to show up and do the best that you can. I think that proved to be a real help for me in the long term.”
On Hiring
What she looks for in employees:“I look for people who are coachable and enjoy what they do. Private banking is all relationship based. People have to buy into that we’re all there to help the client. It’s not about you or me. It’s really about the team.”
On Intuition
Advice to her younger self:Don’t be so concerned with what others think because at the end of the day, this is my journey. Each stage that you’ve gone through is preparing you for the future. Trust your intuition. It’s a gift.
On Accomplishments
Most proud of:“I went through a divorce several years ago, and I am proud that my daughter and I made it through. We did not miss a beat, which I have so much gratitude for. We had excellent support systems and good friends.”
On Advice
The best advice she’s ever received:“There’s always good that can come out of every situation. That has shaped how I navigate and move through my life.”
On Leadership
How she defines a strong leader:“An individual who sees the end goal, but also understands that you can’t do everything by yourself. A strong leader is one who can bring those parts together to accomplish the end goal while listening, coaching and helping for the greater good.”
On Balance
Advice for achieving work-life balance:“My work doesn’t feel like work. I love what I do, and I call it a lifestyle business. At this phase in my life, I look at what the return is on what I’m doing. If I don’t feel as though there’s an imminent return, then I feel as though that time is better spent with my family or improving myself.”
On Giving Back
How she would spend $1 million on her neighborhood:“Given that our neighborhood has had some of the highest cases of COVID-19, I would utilize the money to partner with Parkland Hospital with a focus on public health.”
On Societal Issues
The biggest problem that our community faces:“Affordable housing and education. At some point, we really are going to have to address the southern sector. We need to deal with issues there, such as food, education, housing and jobs.”
On Dallas
What she’s learned from her work on various boards:“Dallas is a hugely philanthropic community, and there are so many wonderful things that this city offers.”
On Legacy
How she would like to be remembered:“As someone who was passionate about what they did, loved life and lived the best life ever. I also want to be remembered as someone who made an impact in her community and on her family.”