What is one project or achievement in your career that you are most proud of, and how did it impact your organization or community? I am very proud of my decision to start my own freelance business. I have always been very shy and struggled with imposter syndrome. I’ve questioned every decision I have ever made and putting myself out in front of people whether it be for networking or client relations has always paralyzed me. So for me to start my own business, where I am the sole networker/advertiser and worker has been extremely scary and gone against my nature, and my hesitancy can often slow me down. However pushing myself to really work at this and to connect with others has really helped my business to flourish.

What trends or innovations do you believe will shape the future of your field, and how are you positioning yourself (or your firm) to be at the forefront? I believe that in photography there is a lot of emphasis on finished product imagery, and the pricing of a photography package is often based on this. I believe one of the ways I have innovated and helped to serve my clients is to have a more flexible pricing structure that isn’t geared just towards finished product photography, but also towards documentary and progress imagery that maybe won’t be published the way a finished product image would, but encourages contractors to use quality photography to provide imagery that can be used for liability, progress accountability and marketing.

Who or what has inspired you most in your career, and what advice would you share with the next generation of women entering the A/E/C industry? I have had so many amazing role models in my life. The one that has influenced me the most would probably be my dad. He is my biggest advocate and supporter, my dad has always been there for me and my siblings, no matter what else was going on at work or in life. When I was in high school he was laid off from the company he worked at, at the time. He then proceeded to start his own engineering practice, all while raising myself and my siblings as a single parent. It is because of him and his advice that I was brave enough to start my business and not be too discouraged when it took a long time.

What’s your favorite way to recharge or get inspired outside of work? I love reading. I am an avid fantasy book reader, love to snuggle up with my animals and a good book.