I am an active Venture Partner, Board Member, Business Professor and Brand Expert. I bring 35+ years experience as company President, CMO and Strategic Business Leader spearheading strategies, steering enterprise-wide initiatives, and directing product innovations for such iconic brands as DreamWorks Animation, Mattel’s American Girl, Dell Computers, the NFL, MasterCard, and Universal Studios. My focus has always been uncovering the high concept, emotional factors that drive consumer decision-making that build brand and franchise devotion.
Why do you care about Human Ecology?
I believe today’s consumers have shifted from product transactions to narrative relationships. Consumers are actively seeking meaningful stories that they find useful in their lives. The study of Human Ecology unlocks those stories helping brands find their fullest potential and generational relevance that drive long term attachment and adoption.
What excites you about your role as a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board?
I am very excited to build on the school’s deep understanding of consumerism in a dramatically shifting customer environment and help our students build the brands and collaborations of tomorrow!
Affiliations
- Member, International Women's Forum
- National Board Member, American Heart Association
- Board Member, Slumberkins
- Board Member, GaudHammer Gaming Group
- Board Member, Highlights Magazine
- Board Member, HugePlay
- Venture Capital Advisor, Listen VC
- Venture Capital Advisor, The Women's VC Fund
- Venture Capital Advisor, American Heart Association Venture Fund
- Adjunct Professor, School of Business, University of Wisconsin–Madison
Education
- BA, Interpersonal Communications '85, University of California–Los Angeles
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