The global licensing community is powered by an incredible group of professionals whose diverse backgrounds and creative energy drive innovation and excellence. Each week we profile one of these professionals in this ongoing series.

How did you get into licensing (or how did licensing find you)?
Licensing found me as a Magic Johnson Taylor Michael’s scholarship recipient in 2003. The Magic Johnson Foundation facilitated internship placement with some of the best Fortune 500 companies in the country, and I was selected for an interview for the summer internship program with Mattel, Inc. during my undergrad at LMU.  At Mattel, I interned in a number of areas in HR but continued to be requested by the Worldwide Royalty Accounting team under the management of one of the all-time greats, Peter Lewe. In this role, I was introduced to the world of licensing by way of MLAs, royalty payables, and audits. I learned so much from Peter and the team and quickly realized there was a whole industry dedicated to this niche business segment called brand licensing.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
My typical day consists of a morning packed with internal and external meetings, random phone calls with partners, and a hard-pressed attempt to clear my inbox, at least for the day. My day also includes check-ins with my team to push urgent deals and priorities through.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
My biggest personal and professional accomplishment has been my unwavering stance to maintain my dignity, my integrity, and the will to never compromise my character in the face of adversity while navigating the pressures of both life and career.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
I believe the use of AI and the introduction of brand-mash ups between the most unlikely collaborators have made significant strides in recent years. As for changes seen in the licensing business, I think it comes often by way of the retail landscape as it constantly evolves and restructures itself. We are seeing digital platforms like TikTok emerge as a meaningful channel of distribution to reach new audiences.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
My biggest challenge at this stage of my career is ensuring that I maintain work/life balance.  I want to be present for my husband and children while also showing up as a rockstar executive. I try to be intentional as my career continues to grow and consciously put forth the effort it takes to cultivate a balanced life for myself and my family.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have in order to succeed?
GRIT… in all caps!!!  Grit begets perseverance which begets resilience. It shields you through failure, yet it motivates like no other. It gives you the ability to adapt to circumstances out of your control. It fosters passion and innately demonstrates a level of commitment and dedication that echoes throughout any room.  It will always be grit for me!

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me. – Philippians 4:13

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
I’ve said it before and I will say it again, I love licensing collaborations that infuse real storytelling. So, in my opinion, the Polo Ralph Lauren for Oak Bluffs collection really captivated. It paid homage to historical Black colleges and universities while shining a beautiful light on Black culture and its generational influence on fashion with Martha’s Vineyard as the center of excellence. It was beautifully done.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
Real estate by day, bartender by night.

The last licensed product I bought was…
Little Tikes Story Dream Machine x The Cat in the Hat by MGA for my godson.