How did you get into licensing (or how did licensing find you)?
Licensing definitely found me. I landed my first job out of college as a Licensing Coordinator at 4Kids Entertainment and jumped right into the deep end of the industry. And what an introduction it was—I got to work on some of the biggest properties at the time, including Yu‑Gi‑Oh! and Xbox 360. Those early years taught me the essentials of brand strategy, partnerships, and what it really takes to build successful licensing programs. Even better, I met so many partners and licensees back then who I’m lucky enough to still work with more than 20 years later.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
At Brandgenuity, my focus is on business development, finding strategic licensing and retail partners for our clients across a wide range of lifestyle categories. On any given day, I’m prospecting new opportunities, negotiating deals, and collaborating closely with our clients to make sure each partnership checks all the boxes for long‑term success. I also work side‑by‑side with my colleagues to problem‑solve and help ensure our product launches roll out smoothly and as planned.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
Professionally, I’m incredibly proud and genuinely grateful for the relationships and partnerships I’ve built over my career. At the end of the day, our business is all about people, and I feel fortunate to have a network filled with smart, creative, experienced, curious, and kind individuals. Many of them have become not just colleagues, but friends. Personally, my most meaningful work is raising my two sons.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
The evolving landscape of retail and the shift of consumer expectations. We’ve seen consumers gravitate toward a more seamless, omnichannel shopping experience and they expect retailers and brands to meet them wherever they choose to shop, whether in-store, online, or through social. The need for agility and diversified retail distribution are key in launching and growing programs.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
Honestly, there’s a lot that keeps me tossing and turning but mostly I’m always thinking about whether I’ve explored every angle. I want to feel confident that no stone was left unturned, and that we asked the right questions, met with all the right partners, challenged assumptions, and really looked at all the options. I care that the work I’m doing matters to the clients and partners that I’m supporting.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have to succeed?
Patience, adaptability, and really understanding what both sides need to bring meaningful, high‑quality products to market—those are essentials. And yes, that’s three, not one.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
You catch more flies with honey than vinegar—a quote from my Granny! Kindness is king, and it costs you nothing. Her advice has always reminded me that how you show up matters just as much as what you do. Leading with empathy, patience, and respect goes a long way, especially when navigating tough conversations or complex partnerships and dynamic negotiations. It’s amazing how far a little kindness can go.

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
The one that will always have my heart…? My New Kids on the Block bedding from the early ‘90s. If you know, you know. I’m constantly impressed and excited by all the smart, creative, and strategic partnerships that are coming out of our industry. I love the licensing partnerships that really let people step into their favorite worlds, like The Rocky Run in Philly where fans literally retrace Rocky’s iconic run up the art‑museum steps or the new Sims board game, which takes all the quirky, creative chaos of the digital Sims game and turns it into a real‑life game night experience with family and friends.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
If I wasn’t a licensing agent, I’d either be a psychologist or a florist!

The last licensed product I bought was…
Arm & Hammer Hefty garbage bags, a Minecraft LEGO set, and a Shock Doctor-Kool-Aid mouthguard. Tell me you’re a boy mom, without telling me you’re a boy mom.