I am a two-time startup founder whose advocacy work strengthens local communities by supporting working parents, families with young children, entrepreneurs, and small business owners. My first startup, Work and Play, was one of the first coworking spaces in the world to also house a licensed childcare program. We operated for five years in South Orange before closing due to the pandemic. My subsequent startup, the General Store Cooperative (GSC), incubates mission-driven brands and artisans at our flagship co-retail storefront on Springfield Avenue, Maplewood.

In addition to my entrepreneurial ventures, I am a communications professional with more than 15 years of marketing experience in the kids and family segment. I am a freelance writer and local marketing specialist, and in 2020, at the start of the pandemic, I created an online forum to advocate and lobby for small business relief, providing a space for business owners to share resources during the shutdown. The group grew to more than 1,700 members from New Jersey and across the nation, helping business owners and independent contractors navigate federal and state programs.

I live in Maplewood with my three young daughters and I ran for Township Committee to ensure that small business owners and families like mine—those raising young children—are represented in local government. As a member of the “sandwich generation,” I also understand the importance of aging in place and aim to keep Maplewood accessible for all ages and income levels.