What are your thoughts on aging?

I want to age gracefully.  My mom looked amazing going into her 40's and 50's. She would go shopping with my nieces (her grandkids) and many times she would be mistaken for their mom and people were truly surprised when she said she was the grandma!  I want that and hope I got most of her genes! I would say take care of your skin when you are young. I know it's a pain to put on sunscreen, but do it! You will thank your younger self later when your skin looks amazing, and people think you are younger than your years!

How is your age group relevant?

My age group is starting to be recognized more, and this 40 over 40 initiative is one of the ways that is happening. We are seeing more women in their 40s and above in public-facing powerful positions of leadership. People are recognizing them for their years of experience. Yes, we have had to work twice as hard as men, but we are now being considered the experts in our field of work. We still have more to do, but people are noticing us and valuing us for the good that we can contribute.

Younger women, might think that it's scary getting older. What wonderful things can women look forward to at your age?

When you get older, your confidence grows. You know your worth, you know who you are, you know what you're capable of accomplishing, and it gets easier to show that confidence. People take notice and listen. When I was in my 20's I felt marginalized. I was shy and felt if I spoke up I would be ridiculed. In my 40's, I now speak up if I feel that I can contribute. The leadership at my place of work values people who can contribute and appreciates confidence.

Share tips on how you celebrate yourself, what you do for fun, and self care.

As we age, our metabolism slows. We have to work harder to maintain our bodies and keep the extra weight off. Ten years ago I started running marathons. Before that I didn't run a day in my life. That might not sound like self care. Some may say that sounds like torture, and I might agree with you while actually doing the run. But when the run is over, and you cross the finish line, that sense of accomplishment makes it worth it.(Being able to eat whatever you want for the entire day after the run and not have it add pounds is a bonus). Now I run regularly and it helps me stay fit.

When I'm not exercising, I love to travel. I feel that we shouldn't put it off until later. Just go! I am not going to look back and say I shouldn't have taken that trip to Greece. I'm going to look back and say I'm glad I did it while I was young and healthy and was able to create those lasting memories.

Share one experience or piece of advice that would lift other women up and empower them.

Don't be afraid to be independent. Don't be afraid to do what makes you happy. Don't put off your dreams and the things you want to accomplish until later. If you have a good support structure around you, they will be there to encourage and push you forward, not hold you back.

What would you tell your 14-year-old self? 

I could tell her the cliché - “It gets better". But I think I'd rather tell her "You will find your calling. Don't ignore that still, small voice. When doors open, don't be afraid to go through them.”

Who inspired you as a little girl? Who inspires you now? 

My mom inspired me as a little girl and she continues to inspire me now.  When I was in 8th grade my dad left.  She raised me and my two sisters by herself until my stepdad came into our lives when I was 16. She's always encouraged us to be independent and think outside the box. If you want to do something, do it.  She decided one summer that my sisters and I would probably like a treehouse in the backyard. People told her that her ideas or plans were too big, and that she couldn't do it.  So, to prove them wrong, all by herself, she built us a 2-story treehouse. We loved that treehouse and our friends did too. She won't let anyone define what she's capable of doing and she has always ingrained that mindset into me and my sisters. That's why she is my inspiration.

What is your definition of success? 

My definition of success is taking it day by day and not giving up.  Everyone fails. You get back up and keep going.