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 in the early 2000s at Simon & Schuster Children’s Publishing, where I led marketing for the licensed and novelty list. I cut my teeth on iconic brands like SpongeBob SquarePants and Peanuts, while also helping build original IP like Cupcake Diaries and Captain Awesome. That front-row seat to the intersection of storytelling, strategy, and consumer love shaped how I think about brands to this day. Since then, I’ve had the privilege of leading brand marketing at companies like Entertainment One and Hasbro—helping grow some of the world’s most beloved franchises.

What’s a “typical” day in your current position?
I recently stepped into the role of Head of Brand Strategy at Abrams, and I’m deep in conversations with internal and external partners, exploring the catalog, and identifying where story meets strategic opportunity. My mission is to connect the dots between titles, talent, and momentum and turning that into brand fuel. I’m also reading Diary of a Wimpy Kid—all 19 of them—as we chart the internationally acclaimed brand’s next evolution. Zoo-Wee-Mama! I’m energized by the opportunity to lead Abrams’ brand strategy for such a powerhouse, along with their incredible slate of originals and licensed properties from the likes of Marvel, Disney, Lucasfilm, Paramount, and tokidoki. Let’s just say: the whiteboard is full.

What’s your biggest personal or professional accomplishment?
One of my proudest moments was launching Peppa Pig’s charity partnership with The Muddy Puddles Project, honoring a young fan named Ty and raising funds for childhood cancer research. We brought the brand to life in deeply meaningful ways, including “Mess Fest” events with giant mud puddles, Today Show coverage, eBay charity auctions, and we even created an official National Jump in Muddy Puddles Day (April 1). It was brand work with real heart. We honored Peppa’s DNA while creating real emotional impact and that alignment between purpose and play is the kind of work I strive for every time.

What are the most significant trends or changes that you’ve seen in the business in recent years?
Nostalgia still hits, but how we activate it has evolved. Today’s audiences want more than recognition; they want resonance. That means authenticity, shared values, and creative participation. Fan-driven content and social commerce have flipped the script. We’re no longer broadcasting at fans—we’re building with them. That shift is powerful.

What keeps you up at night? What’s your biggest challenge these days?
Staying true to long-term brand vision while keeping pace with short-term market moves. Balance both, and you win. The pressure for brands to be everywhere (instantly) is real, but lasting brand equity comes from consistency and authentic activity.

In your opinion, what is the top skill every licensing executive should have to succeed?
Creative empathy. You need to understand the heart and soul of a brand, what your partners need, and what your audience wants—all at once. Being able to translate between creative, strategic, and commercial goals is where the real value gets unlocked. The best brands are built on relationships, not just numbers, and that starts with the ability to truly listen and connect.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received, or what’s your favorite quote?
“Don’t borrow trouble.” My grandmother’s way of saying don’t waste energy on things you can’t control. It’s advice that’s served me well in life and leadership

What is your favorite licensing deal of all time? (It doesn’t have to be one that was signed by you.)
Hello Kitty x Vans – 2011. It was playful, fresh, and spanned generations without trying too hard. A true crossover hit that made both kids and parents say “I need that” for completely different reasons. It nailed the balance of trend and timelessness and showed how the right collab can make a legacy brand feel instantly modern. That’s brand alchemy.

If you weren’t in licensing, what would you be doing now?
Running a food truck somewhere in the Caribbean. Years ago, I taught myself to cook using the French Culinary Institute textbook and even made an appearance on The Chew. Whether I’m building brands or building a menu, I’m driven by the same thing: creating joy and connection through experiences that stick. 

The last licensed product I bought was…
A Debbie Harry x Wildfang graphic tee. Because who doesn’t need a little rock-and-roll icon energy under your blazer?