I’ve always been someone who finds beauty in the simple things around me. Growing up in North Carolina, my mother, a master gardener, and my father, a nature lover, instilled in me a deep appreciation for the natural beauty that surrounds us every day. It was my first real exposure to art.
This early love for the beauty of the world around me grew into a lifelong belief that art is everywhere if you just take the time to notice it. Having lived throughout Guilford County, I’ve had the privilege of raising my children in a diverse community that celebrates people and their stories. I’ve always been drawn to these stories, especially of artists.
My career has taken me down a path that’s a bit different from my creative spirit. I graduated from the Bryan School at UNCG, got certified as a CPA, and l now work at Piedmont Trust as the Trust Officer and Senior Managing Director of Strategic Initiatives. But that hasn’t stopped me from finding ways to weave creativity into my life. I remember showing up to my pottery class in college, fresh from a day of business lectures and wearing a suit! I got a couple of strange looks, but I’ve always believed that you can nurture your creative side no matter where you are or what you do.
One of my favorite creative outlets has been my love of funky glasses—I have quite the collection! They’ve become a fun way for me to express my creativity and personality every day.
I can’t imagine a life without music and art, and I’m constantly amazed at the talent within our community. That’s part of the reason I joined the board of The Arts Council of Greater Greensboro. As someone who has long been involved in community organizations like Rotary, I saw this as a chance to take my passion for the arts and combine it with my skills in business and leadership. I hope that my role on the board will allow me to give back to the community while also taking advantage of how the arts allow all of us to expand outside of our everyday professions and lives.
We live in a society that is driven, always striving for the next goal. But sometimes, we need to step back, take a breath, and appreciate the beauty that’s all around us—whether it’s in a gallery, on stage, in a song, or right outside our windows.
I love this community, and I am a firm believer that our diversity is our strength. When we come together and share our stories, our art, our music, we become better. That’s what makes us special. And that’s why I’m so passionate about the work we’re doing at The ACGG.