What do you do?
I’m the owner of the Concrete Theatre, a nearly 100-year-old venue in the tiny town of Concrete, at the base of the North Cascades. With a stage, screen and an expanded lobby with an ice cream shop coming in 2021, I plan and create all kinds of experiences, including dinner theatre evenings, arthouse movies, and live music, along with locally produced plays and seasonal events.
I’m a healthy, active 70-ish year old entrepreneur married to a good guy who shares my love of travel and adventure. I was awarded Woman of the Year by SWAN and more recently named Citizen of the Year by the Town of Concrete. I’ve served on a variety of non-profit boards and am the president of the local chamber of commerce.
But once upon a time I was a high school dropout, a victim of domestic violence, an alcoholic, and a welfare mother. After a decade of struggle, I became the director of a victim advocacy agency, community college teacher, fitness instructor, and a marketing professional with a master’s degree. In all of my roles, I’ve hoped to inspire other women to reach their potential.
Advice/words of wisdom that affected your life you'd like to pass on?
Don’t ever let your past determine your future.