Where were you born and raised?
I was born in Annapolis, Maryland and raised in Rye, New York, outside of NYC. My mother’s labor was induced because my father was going off to war. I come from a family of strong women and from a father who believed in all of us kids. At the age of eleven, I worked to make a girl’s softball team happen in Rye, NY. I was a child model and my first job was on the cover of Life Magazine. At a young age, I learned who I was and believed in myself.

You have been a twenty year advocate for Rogers Park first through CAPS and as a three-time Aldermanic Candidate, how did you get your start as a leader?
I was the oldest child. I had a lot of responsibility growing up taking care of my younger siblings. Back then, I couldn’t get them to buy into what I wanted them to do. I think I yelled too much. What worked better with my own teenage sons? I paid them an allowance to baby-sit themselves. Pay was based on their own performance. They were held accountable for their behavior. It worked. Today, we are a close and supportive family. My sons live their lives with a lot of heart and integrity. I am proud of them.

What makes a good leader?
As a Group Therapist for many years, I learned a leader is a role of empowerment. A leader helps people see what they can do for themselves and their community. A leader listens, inspires others, doesn’t take things so personally, knows who they are, is upfront, admits when wrong, accountable, will never ask somebody to do something they aren’t willing to do themselves.

You ran for Alderman three times, how come?
I am a fixer of problems. I saw problems in housing, street crime and lack of development to name a few. I came up with solutions. We don’t have much control over Iraq, but we can make a difference in street crime by conducting sit outs on corners. The Alderman is the closest form of government to us ­the people and where I felt I could make the most difference.

You have served on and off for five years as the Manager of Village North Movie Theater, how has that leadership experience been for you?
They call me into make things better and to solve problems. Village North is the last remaining old-time movie theater house in Rogers Park. Everybody who works for me knows the ins and outs of the whole theater experience from making popcorn to running the projector. We have a lot of creative and fun folks here.

Which place in Rogers Park has special meaning for you?
Jarvis Beach on the Fourth of July

Any life lessons you care to share?
Don’t take anything so personally. I also learned that none of us are omnipotent.