Inquisitive.

A single word to describe me has always been inquisitive.

My father called me inquisitive since I was a child. The moment my father said that about me I remember asking what that meant. That, of course, continues to be my curiosity for the world around me.

This very word has driven me in life to always learn and seek out new opportunities. I enjoy rising to any challenge.

My family has always been an inspiration. I remember watching and learning from my parents in their small wood shop. Witnessing their entrepreneurial spirit gave me a respect for the small business community. After studying at university I knew that I could make an impact by becoming a strong advocate for start ups, small businesses, and community groups within any community. This is my calling.

Having lived in Indiana, Ohio, Washington, New York, Massachusetts, and soon New Hampshire I have always found it came natural to explore my new world, meet amazing people, and support and develop projects that benefited those communities.

Holistic Wellness

Holistic wellness is something I’ve become more interested in as it relates to community development. In itself, there are seven elements or approaches that are key to development which include physical, mental, social, emotional, intellectual, vocational and environmental health.

While I am no where close to incorporating each of these throughout every project I’ve worked on, I do find that the more readily we are to discuss how each of these elements provides to the overall wellbeing of an individual or community, there are ways we can identify steps to take to include those.

One of the groups I had worked with recently had asked me for support in developing their approach. We focused on a collective impact approach, and shifted to how we can touch citizens within that community through each of these holistic wellness facets. Today that group is a shining example of how citizens within a community can come together, and think inclusively to all those that live, work, and play.

Connecting matters.

I schedule a meeting. I greet a new business. I check out a local shop. However, it happens - I become invested in learning more, more about the business and more about the person directly in front of me. Even with coworkers, I want to know them beyond their role. While it is important to know what their role is, and how that is connected to the larger picture - it is just as important to get to know the person as an individual. What are their goals, ambitions, preferred style of communication, and motivations? What are some of their challenges and wins? Am I able to support them in some way, and further can I create beneficial connections to others?

There are so many ways to stay connected today. While so much is moving digitally, do not overlook the power of creating connections in person, or write a letter, send a postcard - even leaving a little post note wishing someone a good day can make such a positive impact.

Whichever way you connect - make it positive. Take the time to listen, learn, and engage in meaningful ways.

Engage in your community.

Community is all around you every day. It could be at work, in the office, in your neighborhood, at a school, a community theater, the local market, a restaurant you adore, your favorite boutique, or a local event. Your ability to be present in that moment does make all the difference. Be friendly. Greet people with their first name if appropriate. Go beyond the “how are you’s” and the “what did you do today’s” and strive to do better in conversation. Enjoy your communities for all that they offer - and be part of creating those places that bring vibrancy into the world.

Starts with me.

Enhancing communities starts with each of us. We each hold a responsibility to ourselves and those around us, to build stronger connections that amplify visions and goals. I have actively taken part in multiple small groups, as both a member and facilitator to develop their goals utilizing the collective impact model.

I desire to build on that passion and help others' succeed. It has been a lifelong ambition to really get to know people and see how I can assist them in achieving some of their goals. Whether it is for a friend, a neighboring business, or as an employee for your company, I am a person that will discover the in and outs of your business and see how I can help you achieve great things. For we are all stronger the more we work together, and the better our connections become in our community.

Small Business Advocacy

I made a promise to myself that I would always support my community. Understanding the story and path behind the business owner is crucial. These details highlight the resilience and courage each have taken to build their brand. Whether a small business, nonprofit, community organization, start up or local artist, part of my mission is first to understand their story so that I know how to connect them to their community. Creating multiple platforms for community engagement has been an essential component to the success I have personally witnessed with those I have been fortunate to work with along the way.