I grew up the daughter of an entrepreneur in Albert Lea, Minnesota, served 10 years in the U.S. Army and worked a corporate job for 10 years, before starting my family at age 40 and inventing a line of baby products. I now live in Oronoco, Minnesota and have been serving on the Southern Minnesota Initiative Foundation board for just over one year.

Why do you love where you live?
I live in the country with my husband and two small boys. I love our rural community, the space my kids have to run around and all of the local festivals and parades.

What are some of your favorite things to do in southern MN?
I enjoy kayaking on the Zumbro River, golfing in my ladies’ league in Mantorville and taking long country walks on the Douglas Trail and around Oronoco.

Why did you join SMIF’s board?
Busy Baby was an accidental business for me. Having so many support organizations in the southern Minnesota entrepreneurial ecosystem really helped me start and grow my business. SMIF has been a big part of my journey. Now that I’m eight years into my business and in a position to give back, I felt compelled to support the organization that has supported me from the beginning.