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Education: Bachelor of science in business administration, Upper Iowa University

Hometown: Des Moines

Family: Husband Anthony; daughters Takieyah, LaSha, LaTasha, and LaTrease, who is deceased; sons Shaquille and Erickson.

Hobbies: Watching sci-fi, action or comedy movies; solving Sudoku puzzles; reading fiction or biographies

Words to live by: You are either part of the problem or part of the solution. I choose to be the solution.

Three notable accomplishments: 

• My family. I have been with my husband for 38 years and counting. We have six children and now have grandchildren.
• I co-founded Investing In My Future Inc. (IIMF) in 2010.
• I was the first Black county treasurer in the state of Iowa.

How have you helped improve organizations you’ve been a part of? 

My focus throughout my career and volunteering has been to promote empowerment, increase efficiency, foster collaboration, and strengthen teams and others to share their talents and time through volunteering in the community.

What motivates you? 

My family, and wanting to make the community a better place than I found it.

Is there a memory or experience from your formative years that continues to influence your approach to life? 

Growing up, we did not have much, but what we had, my mother always shared even if it meant we would not have enough later. That included food. Other neighbors did the same. I learned the importance of helping others in their time of need, which means that we sometimes need to sacrifice.

What piece of advice would you give to others who hope to make a difference in their communities?

Do not be afraid to bring your whole self to the table and jump in where you fit. We all have something to contribute to make the world a better place. Do not be afraid to ask the “why” as that may change your impression or direction on what you think you should do.

Tell us about a time you failed (or at least you did from your own perception). 

After completing my second year at Iowa State University, where I had a full-ride scholarship, I started working at Wellmark as a temp for the summer. I did not return to Iowa State that fall. I then hit a ceiling in my career where I could not advance without a college degree. I felt like a failure, not completing my degree when I could have. Seventeen years after I left Iowa State, I earned my degree with honors from Upper Iowa University.

What is a favorite book, show, movie, podcast, etc. that you’d encourage others to consume? 

A favorite movie of mine is “Girls Trip.” Laughter is the best medicine for dealing with stress, so I encourage you to watch this hilarious movie about four best friends reconnecting on a trip.

How do you try to find balance and joy in the many activities you take part in? 

Having a wonderful support network of family, friends, colleagues and sorority sisters allows me to volunteer and support my initiatives. It is difficult, but sometimes I have to say “no” to maintain balance.

What is one of your guilty pleasures? 

Extra crispy chicken wings and breasts from KFC as well as Snickers ice cream bars.

What’s something many people don’t know about you? 

I am a cancer survivor of 28 years.

What do you consider the greatest barrier to gender equity? 

The greatest barrier to gender equity is not having a seat at the table. Those currently in power do not want to relinquish their power or give opportunity to those who do not look and sound like them.

Who is an empowering woman that you look up to? 

Renee Hardman, as she has a seat at the table and continues to open doors for other women to walk through.

What will it take for women to achieve gender parity in leadership positions? 

To achieve gender parity in leadership positions, current leaders must be intentional about recruiting women to the candidate pool and be equitable in the selection process and salary offerings.

What support would be most helpful for business leaders to provide for their women and nonbinary employees? 

The support that would be most helpful is to invite women and nonbinary employees to the table, genuinely listen to their opinions, acknowledge their expertise and include them in decision-making.

Fill in the blank: If gender equity were achieved, the world would look like ____________.

A place where everyone, no matter their gender, can pursue dreams and opportunities and be respected for their knowledge and talents without being overlooked, discouraged or shamed.