We are so proud to introduce you to this year’s Influential Women of Cincinnati. These women are using their unique talents and abilities to make our region a better place. Whether it’s starting nonprofits, creating new communities, or feeding and caring for the less fortunate, these women are making a difference.
Q. WHAT CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT YOURSELF AND YOUR CAREER?
A. I was born and raised in Cincinnati, and after graduating from Xavier University, I began my career with Procter & Gamble as a scientist. After a few years, I decided to go to law school and received my J.D. from Northern Kentucky University Salmon P. Chase College of Law. I have worked at P&G for 28 years now and have had the opportunity to serve in several areas of their legal department. Both my grandfather and great-grandfather worked for P&G, and I am proud to continue that legacy.
Q. HOW DID T1D FAMILIES FOR FAMILIES BEGIN?
A. My husband and I live on the west side of Cincinnati and have two children. At the age of seven, my daughter was diagnosed with type 1 diabetes. The founding of T1D Families for Families was born from the desire for information and support as a parent of a child with T1D.
T1D Families for Families began in 2014 as a small support group that consisted of my mother, daughter and friend. We started a Facebook page to share information and create a community of families dealing with type 1 diabetes. We posted flyers in schools and provided our information to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital for their patients. Today, this local group has grown to over 500 members. We periodically meet in person, and our FB page is very active in education on the latest research and technologies. We bring in experts to share information and provide additional resources for families. This community has also become a way for parents to share their stories with other parents and to introduce their children to other children that share this diagnosis.
Every year we present one member of our community with the T1D Perseverance and Courage Award. This person serves as an inspiration to others and an example of beating the obstacles. I have learned so much from the T1D Families for Families community. As much as it helps others, it helps me.
Q. IN ADDITION TO T1D FAMILIES FOR FAMILIES, WHAT OTHER ORGANIZATIONS ARE YOU INVOLVED WITH IN THE COMMUNITY?
A.I am very active with the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF) and have previously served as a board member. JDRF is the leading global organization funding type 1 diabetes research. This organization is committed to finding life-changing breakthroughs to cure, treat and prevent T1D. JDRF serves as a valuable resource for my family and for millions of others.
Q. WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT CINCINNATI?
A. I love the sense of community that Cincinnati offers. No matter where you go, you will find that feeling.