We are work colleagues that bonded over work, became fast friends, share a birth day, and love tough challenges. We both love the spirit, camaraderie, friendships formed during the Rebelle. And can’t wait to share in the joy (and competition) surrounding the Rebelle’s 10th Anniversary.
As the COO at Iridium, I have the incredible opportunity to lead an amazing team that is passionate about connecting people and things anywhere on Earth. One of the highlights of my role is ensuring the safety of all the Rebelles and staff during the Rally. This is why we do what we do – we enable and support our customers and partners to dream big to create new businesses or solutions that enhance communications, tracking, and safety of life.
Fountain Hills, AZ
Columbia University - Engineering
I have two sons. One was born in the summer and the other in the winter....but ....both were born in December :)
It's a brilliantly designed competition that challenges you, but it also takes you to places you never thought possible. Both in terms of actual places (some super cool spots), but also in personal ways too. Why now - Heidi said 'yes' again and it's the 10th anniversary. Why not???
Honestly, I am most inspired by the everyday people I meet – from single moms, to those who speak up and fight for what's right, to the incredible women I've met at the Rebelle Rally!
I’m currently listening to the book Project Hail Mary and I highly recommend it! I’m also a sucker for reality TV and love to binge-watch shows on planes to unwind.
By far, marrying my wonderful husband, John, has been the best decision and life-time adventure. Over the past 25+ years, we've traveled extensively, raised two incredible boys, and continuously grown, explored, and evolved together as we age.
2020, 2021, 2022
Every year we have the same 3 goals : (1) Stay Alive (2) Remain Good Friends and (3) Finish. That's it. Keep it simple, have fun and try to improve and do our best.
I wish I had more time for outside activities! Each year, I try to focus on learning something new. In past years, I mastered sugar cookies and dabbled in resin art. In 2020, I learned how to off-road in my first Rebelle. This year, my husband and I have started a couple of small hydroponic gardens, with plans to build a larger outdoor garden in the fall when the weather is better in Arizona.
I didn't have any background in off-road or motorsports, despite growing up in the desert. However, after attending the final day of the 2019 Rebelle Rally as a VIP, I decided to give it a try. Now I have three Rebelle Rally's under my belt. Like anything new, I approach it by finding the right experts and mentors (thank you Laura, Kayleigh, and Maria), taking good classes (Rebelle U/Barlow), and then practicing, practicing, practicing. Since it's been three years since our last Rebelle, we had a few cobwebs to brush off, so it was getting back out there and training.
Traveling. I have visited all 50 states and each state capital, lived in China, Kazakhstan, and Australia and walked across England.
As a driver I love those incredible sand washes that are smooth and windy as well as some cool steep/high climbs where you have to go to 4WD Low! That's when my Jeep gets to do what it was designed to do.
Sadly for us, it was changing a tire! Lesson for the rookies – make sure you know how to use all your tools (like a new jack) before you leave, and also how to plug a tire. That cost us an hour and missing a ton of points in our THIRD year!!!! Disconnecting for 10 days was actually easier than and I thought and a true gift to realize how important it is to be focused and truly engaged vs being in your head, phone, email, etc.
Not sure I ‘changed’ but it helped me to realize that I am resilient, I like challenging myself, and not to be afraid of the unknown.
We had an old red VW Camper that I loved as a young child and have strong memories of camping out under the stars with my dad and waiting for a moon eclipse. I was devastated when they decided to sell it.
I'm the CHRO for the Idaho National Lab. It is such an honor to work for a national lab and I'm lucky that I get to help some of the brightest, most capable, and dedicated leaders, researchers, and staff solve some of our nation's most pressing and complicated problems.
Arlington, VA
United States Military Academy
""I have no special talent. I am only passionately curious." Einstein"No act of kindness, no matter how small, is ever wasted." Aesop"
Suzi and I share the same birthday!
Participating in the Rebelle pushes me outside my comfort zone and makes me want to be better - better navigator, teammate, competitor, friend, and ally. You learn a lot about competition and teamwork during the Rebelle...you also learn a lot about yourself and how to dig deep, sometimes deeper than you imagine. It is the 10 year anniversary and Suzi and I couldn't let it go by without one more adventure!
My mom....whenever I travel, I reflect on what it would be like to move away from your homeland, learn a new language and culture, and build a life for you and your family. I'm inspired by how resilient, determined, brave, and fearless she was.
I don’t really watch much TV.
Life is my biggest adventure. I've been lucky enough to participate in the Rally, twice. Visit some amazing places around the world. Experience countless cultures. Sing along at some fabulous concerts, plays, and venues. Laugh and cry with some amazing people...and L. I. V. E. life.
2021, 2022
We have main objectives:- Don't die!- Remain friends- Finish
I'm an avid runner, tennis addict, travel junky, phenomenal car dancer, and great sing-along partner during car-ride mixes. My family and my 2 doggies bring me a lot of joy!
I have zero background in motorsports but I love an adventure! I think my lack of background makes me more respectful of the capabilities and dangers of off-road adventures.
I'm an adventure gal and love to hike and travel.
I have a love/hate relationship with the dunes. They are so beautiful, fun to drive/ride in, so DIFFICULT....but the last two races we spent way too much time digging out and getting turned around (aka "lost") in the dunes. Each time we've come out with awesome memories, friendships, and stories...so that is why I LOVE them.
The most challenging part is disconnecting for 10 days...but it is also the most rewarding part. Being able to be present, totally present, in the race and my friendship with Suzi has been a gift. I know there is NOTHING that we can't handle or tackle together!
I missed the Rally last year for health reasons and I really, really missed spending time with my Rally tribe. The community is so tight, supportive, and uplifting that it is difficult to be away! I think the Rally has made me more optimistic, a better friend, a more patient and resilient competitor, and fearless.
My dad was extremely handy and a terrific mechanic. He could fix anything. I have many fond memories being his helper and extra set of hands - on cars, lawn mowers, house repairs (big and small), even random electronic devices. He was a patient and knowledgeable teacher. I'm not sure I was a good student though!
