Family: Husband, Darryl, and two daughters, Morgan and Nailah
Pets: Yes, one dog we recently adopted
Education: University of South Carolina, Juris Doctor and B. A. in Political Science, minor in English – Go Gamecocks!
Admitted to the Bar: South Carolina Bar (1997); Alabama Bar (2006); and Florida Bar Authorized House Counsel (2010)
Employed by: FIS (formerly known as Fidelity National Information Services) as corporate compliance, privacy and risk counsel
Field of practice: Corporate compliance, data privacy and risk management
Professional organizations: The Jacksonville Bar Association, chair of diversity committee; Association of Corporate Counsel; D.W. Perkins Bar Association; International Association of Privacy Professionals; and Northeast Florida Compliance Group.
Community involvement: Children's Home Society of Florida board; United Way of Northeast Florida, Women in Local Leadership; HandsOn Jacksonville Project Blueprint 2013 Cohort Class; Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.; Jack and Jill of America Inc.; Naval Officers Spouses Association, former member; Junior League of Jacksonville, former member; First Baptist Church of Mandarin, member; and employer-sponsored volunteer opportunities.
How did you become involved?
Community involvement is part of my upbringing and has always been a value of mine. I have served in various ways — through church, school, work or in the community. My family relocated several times due to my husband's position as a naval officer. In each community we lived in, I found ways to volunteer and support various local organizations and military families. One reason I decided to become an attorney is because service is at the heart of a legal career.
How can someone else become involved?
"Everybody can be great … because anybody can serve." – Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Volunteer for organizations that you are passionate about. There is always an opportunity for more volunteers. HandsOn Jacksonville is a great resource for volunteer opportunities in Jacksonville that match your interest. You can also look for opportunities within your current organizations and your employer may sponsor activities as well. Also, contact me. I will gladly assist in helping you in finding volunteer opportunities.
What have you learned/achieved through the experience?
"You must be the change you want to see in the world" – Mahatma Gandhi. Being able to serve my community has been a blessing to me. I am not sitting on the sidelines, but actually involved in real change, adding purpose to my life and glorifying the Lord. These experiences have allowed me to serve, and serve with, a diverse group of people and develop skills that carry over into my personal and professional life such as leadership, organization, networking, and public speaking.
What was the last book you read or are reading?
I am currently reading "Lean In" by Sheryl Sandberg, "Legally Mom – Real Women's Stories of Balancing Motherhood & Law Practice" by Anne Murphy Brown and "Smart Women Finish Rich" by David Bach.