3 Fun Facts 
- I love to travel – 18 countries visited thus far, many more to go!
- Acted in a Fox Spanish TV show (even though my Spanish is very limited)
- I have been directly involved in real estate since 2017.
What would you tell your younger self about economic development?
This may be the coolest career path. It has so many facets to dive into and learn. Being able to be in the know of upcoming developments, connected to the world of real estate, and being part of the village of folks that create communities are some of the items I’d mention. Don’t be afraid of not knowing the answer, there is always someone to help. The saying “who, not how” applies to this industry greatly.
What’s something you wish you knew before starting your current role?
Understanding sooner how economic development shapes communities and supports long-term growth would have helped me to better connect the dots between my love of real estate, project management, and community impact. Since stepping into this role, I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for how public-private partnerships, zoning strategies, and incentives drive meaningful change. It’s empowering to see how my past experiences now contribute to something bigger, and I’m excited to keep learning. I can’t wait to see where this journey leads and to be a part of Goodyear’s continued growth!
What advice do you have for up-and-coming economic developers?
The top 3 things would be to keep learning, connecting, and helping in every scenario. The field has a lot of different avenues with countless opportunities – never stop learning and growing. Relationships are at the center of solutions – connecting parties for the “who, not how” method. Lastly, genuinely seeking to find the best ways to help. Keep showing up with curiosity and integrity because in this field, consistent, sincere work will open doors you never imagined and create impact far beyond what you can see today.
What’s a recent economic development/career win you have experienced?
There are so many great things happening that I am grateful to be part of. One thing recently was establishing the baseline infrastructure of our CRM to build upon and grow – creating more streamlined processes, collaboration, and a useful tool for future economic developers. Being very process-oriented, I continue to find ways to improve efficiencies and aid in the collective efforts of economic development as I gain understanding along the way.
Who do you look up to in the field, and what advice might you give young professionals about mentorship?
There are countless people who help me learn and grow within this rapidly evolving industry. I look up to other professionals who lead with integrity, stay curious, and generously share their knowledge. For young professionals, I’d say don’t be afraid to reach out and ask questions – most people are more willing to help than you think. The saying “a rising tide lifts all ships” is felt throughout the AAED members. Mentorship doesn’t always have to be formal; sometimes, the best lessons come from everyday conversations and observing how others navigate challenges.
