Timeline

Following over 10 years of heavy volunteer work in the community, I wanted to take a bit of time and focus on my mental, physical and emotional health. One major accomplishment — a dedicated weekly workout regimen with a trainer, with the first year showing incredible results and continuing to improve. Combined with a hefty amount of travel as well as moments to better understand what really drives me, this “me time” is a healthy and much needed break while I consider what big opportunities are next.

After the 2016 tragedy at Pulse, the world helped heal Orlando through countless acts of love and support. For what would have been the 10 year mark, we hoped to host WorldPride in Orlando to show just how powerful that resonated within our community. For five years I helped outline the vision and led teams filled with extraordinary individuals to create an aspiring bid application that, though unsuccessful (arguably through circumstances out of our control), still showcased the best of what we had to offer. Our presentation committee consisted of local entertainers, nonprofit leaders, Pulse survivors, the CEO of Visit Orlando and the Mayor — and if we had to do it all over again I wouldn’t change a thing.

With just a few short weeks before I hit the milestone, the Orlando Business Journal named me one of their “40 Under 40” individuals for 2020. I was very proud to be included amongst so many other notable leaders, especially during a year when strong leadership was more necessary than ever.

While the year hasn’t been off to a great start — layoffs and COVID-19 certainly having a personal impact — the darkness will no doubt make way for a new day full of new beginnings. Within this struggle also lies opportunities to learn new skills, branch out into new directions and start building a different future. The sun will rise again, let’s see what we can do!

There’s lots of mistakes. Some days sound far worse than others. But from an early age (and then just three years of lessons) and especially over the last two decades, playing the piano always brought me enjoyment and helped me destress. Had a hand-me-down organ and then a few keyboards afterwards, but it wasn’t until I saw a great deal at a charity sale that I finally was able to bring home my very own baby grand. Looks AND sounds gorgeous in the living room!

What began as a way to continue working with the LGBTQ+ community when I moved to Florida, volunteering with Orlando’s Come Out With Pride parade and festival has been an incredible journey. From doing basic design in 2015 to joining the board and handling press and other messaging in the wake of Pulse, the work is challenging yet immensely rewarding — especially seeing joyful attendees who can truly be their authentic selves. This year I took charge as Board President, pledging to continue growth and continue increasing our partnerships. The biggest goal: put together a successful bid to bring WorldPride to Orlando in 2026, 10 years after Pulse to thank the world for their support and keep the momentum going.

Living in a cozy high-rise apartment above Lake Eola had its benefits, but it lacked extra space for guests and a yard for the dogs to run around in. After debating on endless options, we got the keys to a great home in East Orlando, only 15 minutes from Downtown. After growing up in countless apartments, duplexes and townhomes my entire life, this would be the first time I could call a real house my own.

Years and years before, Pulse was the very first gay bar I visited in Orlando. Now, 49 shot and killed, hundreds of others wounded. You just couldn’t believe the news. I may not have known anyone there, but what happened brought all of us closer — we were a united community. Shortly after, leaders from across Central Florida organizations and nonprofits gathered in a room to figure out ways to heal Orlando; a group that would soon grow into the One Orlando Alliance. Together we would get through it. And despite only having lived here for 11 months, it meant that Orlando truly was home.

With a change in scenery also came a change in careers. Sticking with the attractions industry, I joined accesso as a senior UI/UX designer, focusing on the guest journey through our world-leading e-commerce and virtual queuing solutions. Furthering my passion for the industry, I began serving for three years on the IAAPA Finance & Technology Committee — pushing for education and innovation all across the world.

“The North” had a good run. But after two years of miserable wintry storms (even our half-huskies hated going outside), David and I finally followed through on an idea we had for years — let’s move to the Sunshine State! Orlando was always a favorite vacation destination or conference spot, and with a good group of friends there already it made the move easy… as easy as it could be to move two dogs and two cats 1,000 miles away.