What initially drew you to ASSP and what keeps you engaged?
I am a relatively new member of ASSP (about 2 years). I attended my first meeting as a non-member. At that meeting, I realized how welcoming everyone was and how tight-knit the safety community was, so I decided to become a member. Fast forward a couple of months, and I was at the Pulp and Paper conference and stopped by the ASSP booth, and was introduced to Kyle and Linda and they were so welcoming, and so I decided to get involved by becoming a Delegate at Large for the Santiam Section and later co-chairing WISE. What keeps me engaged is seeing the members show up every month and be so engaged with the safety profession. It is also really cool to be able to network with new people at each meeting.
What inspired you to take on co-chairing WISE initiative, and what do you hope it brings to our members?
I was inspired to co-chair WISE because I wanted to help create a space where women in safety could connect, learn, and support each other. I’ve experienced how powerful mentorship, networking, and shared experiences can be and I wanted to help foster that for our members. My hope is that WISE provides opportunities for growth, meaningful connections, and a sense of community – so every member feels encouraged, empowered, and inspired to thrive in the safety profession.
How do you think WISE can impact the future of the safety profession, especially for those just entering the field?
WISE has the power to shape the future of the safety profession by creating a sense of community, confidence, and belonging. It gives professionals a place to connect, learn from shared experiences, and see real examples of successful women in safety. WISE helps encourage learning, lifts up new voices, and shows that there is a place for everyone in this profession.
If you could describe WISE in three words, what would they be—and why?
Empowering, Rewarding, Gratitude because WISE creates a space where women in safety can learn from one another and uplift each other, provides meaningful connections and opportunities, and leaves me feeling thankful for the community it fosters.
Can you share a memorable moment or success story from your involvement with WISE so far?
So far we have put on a WISE Social Event and a Paint Night Event. At both events, it was so special to watch everyone relax, have fun, and genuinely enjoy each other’s company. At the Paint Night in particular, someone told me how inspiring it was to see so many women represented in the safety field. Hearing that reminded me why these gatherings matter and how meaningful it is to create spaces where women can connect and feel seen.
Outside of your professional role, what’s something surprising or fun that people might not know about you?
I’m always excited to go on adventures. I spend most of my weekends doing things outdoors, whether it’s hiking with my dog, skiing, stand-up paddleboarding, or exploring new parts of Oregon. Oregon has so many great outdoor spaces and I love getting outside no matter the season. Also, more recently I have joined adult sports leagues – I played softball in the fall and am currently playing volleyball.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out in the safety profession, what would it be—and why?
I would tell people just starting off in the safety profession to always keep learning. The field is constantly evolving, whether it’s new regulations, emerging technologies, or changing workplace hazards. Staying curious and committed to ongoing learning not only helps you make informed decisions, but also strengthens your credibility, adaptability, and impact as a safety professional. A plus is there are plenty of wonderful professional development classes for the safety profession.