What motivates you to do what you do everyday? Ha ha. It isn't the same every day, but most often it's an idea. It this idea of me, my family and friends sharing in the fruits of our labors. Not a job, not school. It’s realizing that all the conversations and time spent, the work with my family and friends is important and makes us all better and is building toward a great future. Its also gratitude for my liberties and the ability to decide how I spend my time. I'm fortunate that I have not been forced into much and still feel like I can make my own decisions. I want my kids to feel that same gratitude and power in their own lives and be happy to get up every day.

What do you worry about? Easy, my family and money. I worry about being a good mom and whether I'm making the right financial decisions for my family. I feel a lot of pressure to set a good example for my daughters. Hilariously, I want to show them that it’s ok to make mistakes and there are likely few problems they cannot solve if they can be thoughtful, calm and know when to ask for help. Outwardly calm, on the inside - deer in the headlights. It all usually works out.

What is your wish for the United States? Innovation, longer memories and self awareness. A lot of the other stuff, we just have to go through. My family lost a lot being interned during WWII and the impact was long lasting. They do not even like to talk about it. My family and our country still feel the impact of exploitation, bigotry and slavery. We can do better. A country is made of people, and we just have to keep doing the work.

What role do you play, or want to play in making that wish come true? I opt in. Even when I would rather opt out, I have to embrace the opportunity to 'do the work' and bring others along with me. Sometimes I really want to tell people to 'go to hell', but I can't help it. I don't want to miss those small and large opportunities to influence a person, a group, a decision a perception. So, when invited to lead a committee, sit on a panel, teach a class. I do it. I am somewhat introverted, so this can be a source of stress, but I generally feel worse if I don't help.