40 Under 40

40 Under 40 -- it was an honor last night to receive the award. It was a joy to do so with my husband and some* of my fav colleagues by my side.

I moved to Milwaukee 13 years ago this June, on a total whim.

I'd never been further north (in the Midwest) than Chicago. I'd never seen a negative temperature or a frozen body of water.

I truly believed I'd be here for a two-year clerkship and then head back home, South.

Best laid plans, as they say.

Milwaukee welcomed me with open arms (and their coldest winter in 40 years, lessons).

In many ways, I found myself during law school, at Ole Miss.

And then, here, in Milwaukee, I got to apply that self-discovery and become a full-grown adult.

I learned to be myself.

I learned that I do love being a lawyer.

I learned to talk openly and bravely about mental health and wellbeing in big law and for all lawyers.

I learned that you can find friends and family anywhere.

And, of course, I met the love of my life (Dave, not Margot (and then Oxford), but my dogs are a close second).

To do and discover all that, while rising to some sort of influence worthy of recognition on a City-wide level only makes it all sweeter.

🔥✌🏻♥️

*I must say "some" here. The group last night was elite and yet I am fortunate enough to work with many favorite people and we only had room for 8 at the table. Those missing hopefully know who they are--and I am grateful to HB for bringing our paths together.