How does your background in the retail industry shape the way you see Delivering Good's mission of providing new, essential merchandise to families and individuals in need? 

Having spent my entire career in retail, I've witnessed firsthand the power that clothing has to change how people feel about themselves. Retail is often viewed as selling products, but at its core, it's really about confidence, self-expression, dignity, and human connection. 

My relationship with Delivering Good began years ago while I was at Ralph Lauren. One of the most meaningful experiences was supporting programs where students and parent speakers were provided with new gowns and apparel. We would invite them into our Madison Avenue flagship store and pair them with sales professionals who treated them like valued clients, providing an exceptional shopping experience. What stood out to me wasn't just the clothing they received. It was the transformation that happened when they looked in the mirror and saw themselves differently. 

I watched individuals walk in feeling uncertain and leave standing taller, smiling brighter, and carrying a renewed sense of confidence. Those moments reinforced something I've always believed: clothing is more than fabric. It can help someone feel seen, respected, and empowered. 

That's why Delivering Good's mission resonates so deeply with me. They are not simply distributing products; they are delivering dignity, confidence, and hope at a time when people may need it most. Having witnessed that impact firsthand, I know that a new outfit can be much more than a gift. It can be the catalyst that helps someone believe in themselves and embrace new opportunities. 

At our June Women of Impact Summit, you moderated the Women Rising Together: Mentorship, Advocacy & Allyship panel. What was your biggest takeaway from that day?

One of my biggest takeaways was the reminder that no one's success story is built alone. Every leader, regardless of title or experience, can point to people who advocated for them, challenged them, mentored them, or opened doors along the way. 

Throughout the discussion, what struck me most was the importance of intentionally lifting others while we climb. Mentorship is incredibly valuable, but advocacy takes it a step further. It's speaking someone's name when they're not in the room. It's creating opportunities, providing visibility, and helping others recognize their own potential. 

I was also reminded that allyship is an active commitment, not a passive belief. Creating inclusive environments requires all of us to make space for different perspectives and ensure others feel they belong. 

The summit reinforced something I try to practice every day as a leader: our greatest legacy isn't what we achieve ourselves. It's the people we develop, empower, and inspire to achieve even more. 

You have extensive experience leading and developing teams of professionals. How has mentorship played a role in your career? 

Mentorship has been one of the most significant influences throughout my career. I can point to many moments where someone took the time to share their experiences, challenge my thinking, provide candid feedback, or encourage me to pursue opportunities that I may not have considered for myself. 

Those relationships helped me build confidence, navigate challenges, and grow both personally and professionally. More importantly, they taught me the importance of paying that support forward. 

As I've advanced in my career, mentorship has become one of the most rewarding aspects of leadership. I believe leaders have a responsibility not only to deliver business results, but also to develop people. I intentionally invest time in coaching, creating growth opportunities, and helping others build the skills and confidence needed to reach their full potential. 

Some of the proudest moments in my career have not been personal accomplishments. They have been watching team members earn promotions, take on larger roles, and achieve goals they once thought were beyond their reach. Mentorship creates a ripple effect. When you help one person grow, the impact extends far beyond that individual and influences teams, organizations, and future leaders. 

How do you define impact in your work and leadership? 

For me, impact is measured by the positive difference you make in the lives of others. 

Business results are important, and every leader has a responsibility to drive performance. But lasting impact goes beyond financial outcomes. It's about how people feel after interacting with you, the opportunities you create for others, and the legacy you leave behind through the people you've developed. 

I often say that every interaction matters because every interaction is an opportunity to inspire confidence, build trust, and create meaningful change. Whether I'm working with a store associate, a district manager, a partner organization, or a member of the community, I want people to leave feeling valued, supported, and empowered. 

What I admire about Delivering Good is that it embodies that same principle. The organization creates impact by helping people meet immediate needs while also restoring dignity and self-confidence. That combination is incredibly powerful because it helps individuals not only get through today, but also feel more hopeful about tomorrow. 

What excites you most about the future of your partnership with Delivering Good, and how do you envision the impact possible from that partnership? 

What excites me most is the opportunity to expand our collective impact and reach even more individuals and families who can benefit from Delivering Good's incredible work. 

Over the years, I've seen how thoughtfully Delivering Good brings together retailers, brands, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders around a shared mission. Those partnerships create meaningful and measurable change because they combine resources, expertise, and purpose. 

As someone who has spent my career in retail leadership, I also believe our industry has a unique opportunity and responsibility to give back. Retail is built around serving people, and organizations like Delivering Good allow us to extend that commitment beyond our stores and into communities where support is needed most. 

After recently sitting down with CEO Matt Fasciano at the Michael Kors Store Manager Conference, I was reminded of the incredible potential that exists when leaders choose to use their platforms for positive change. My hope is that together we continue to inspire more organizations and individuals to get involved, because every act of generosity, no matter how big or small, has the potential to create a lasting ripple effect.

When I think about the future of this partnership, I don't just think about the products we can provide. I think about the confidence we can build, the opportunities we can create, and the lives we can help transform. That's what makes this work so meaningful, and that's what excites me most.