We first met in 2022 when we were both competing in the XCross Class with different partners. Then we teamed up in the dunes in 2023 in our XCross vehicles, again with different partners. In 2025, both of our partners had decided not to compete, and Jill’s former partner Kristin Shaw actually recommended that Jill and Lola work together. After an initial “interview,” Jill and Lola decided they shared the same goals (to not die and to do better than last year), so they decided to give this new partnership a try.
Pirelli, Pennzoil, A Girl’s Guide to Cars
Flight Attendant - I am a proud aviation first responder. I also recently retired from being a host family to international students studying at Arizona State University. Over the past 18 years, we have hosted 62 students from 9 different countries. It was an overwhelmingly rewarding experience. We love our world wide extended family.
Tempe, Arizona
Kendall College of Art and Design: in Grand Rapids, Michigan -Interior Design - BFA, Lansing Community College: Michigan - Japan Adventure Overseas work/study programs in Otsu, Shiga, Japan
"You've got to get up every morning with determination if you're going to bed with satisfaction". George Lorimer
The whole left hand side of my face has been in a Rolling Stones online article.
I know I can do better. I want to do better. This may or may not show in the numbers that others look at. But it will show inside me. I have been taking advantage of every training and practice opportunity that I could. These are the things that make me smile.
Midnight Dinner: Tokyo Stories, Twin Peaks and Everybody Feed Phil.
2019, 2021, 2022, 2023
I have put in significant time in to learning all I can and improving my skill level at every opportunity. I know I can be a better version of me. I want to shine so that I can be an example to others - If I can do it, so can you.
Traveling outside of work to unusual and unique places. I do my daily language practice apps (Japanese and Spanish), my longest daily practice streak was 654 day in a row (my previous and this years streak have only been broken when locking up my phone for the Rebelle). Going to see local live music at any opportunity possible. I have also competed in both the Arizona Senior Olympics and the national senior olympics several times and look forward to future games.
I did not own a vehicle for 12-year period. I registered for my first Rebelle in 2019 without owning a vehicle, no off-road experience, no map/compass navigation experience and no teammate. I knew it would all be possible and work out just fine. I did a ton of research when purchasing my truck and have been thrilled my 2007 Honda Ridgeline. It fit all the bells and whistles of a truck, an AWD vehicle and within my budget.
I have climbed Mt Fuji in my 20s, and again in my 40s. Is in my 60s in the future????
The sand dunes continue to intimidate me and teach me great respect for nature. I can't stop returning. I may have purchased a season pass last year and went six months in a row plus. They teach me patience and observation. Seat time is key and learn from the masters repeatedly. It has become my happy place.
I am not a morning person. I do not like the cold. Yet I choose to spend my hard-earned vacation time competing in the Rebelle and these are part of the package.
My mother was a huge NASCAR fan later in her life. Last year, when I was not able to compete in the Rebelle, I did a month long solo road trip in my Ridgeline. On my stop in Charlotte, NC, I was able to do the "drive your vehicle around the NASCAR track." The tour guide said that I was his first rally vehicle as he took my picture in the winners circle with my truck. My mom passed several years ago, but she was my passenger as we did three laps around that NASCAR track that day.
I’m a big believer in helping people when you can, embracing life experiences every day and cutting as much negative energy from your life as possible. That being said, I love my family and friends (and tell them so often) and am always looking for an adventure, but I also am very aware of my own boundaries and understand the power of “no."
I'm a digital content creator, which is both fun and exhausting. My primary beat is automotive, so I get to test new cars and tell their story -- what's good, bad and ugly about each car, and yes, there's usually all three.
Chicago, IL
William Jewell College (undergrad), English Lit; University of Missouri (master's), Journalism
"“You gain strength, courage and confidence by every experience in which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, 'I have lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.' You must do the thing you think you cannot do.” ― Eleanor Roosevelt"
I worked on a cruise ship after college as the "Sea News Editor."
Because I like a challenge, and I haven't figured this one out yet. I want to continue to grow and learn new things, and I love that there are very few people who can do what I do as a navigator.
My dad. Until he developed dementia, he was always able to overcome pretty much every physical and mental challenge he encountered through patience and persistence. He taught me that I could do anything I wanted -- if I wanted it enough, and he always inspired me to push my boundaries.
Les Miserables, A Gentleman in Moscow, Gone with the Wind
Backpacking across Europe for five weeks with a Eurorail pass, a guidebook and a vague idea of things I wanted to see.
2022, 2023, 2024
My primary goals are always to stay shiny side up, don't break the truck and cross the finish line. Of course, I'd also like to do better personally than I did last year, get a little less lost, and find a quicker pace.
Outside of work I'm an avid (yet imperfect) runner. I'm a part of the Chicago Area Runner's Association, and I host an online running group for people in the automotive industry.
Other than Rebelle, I've never competed in motorsports. But I have had some training on a racetrack, and both off-road and racetrack driving require you to look far ahead and have good reaction times.
I am a recovering marathon runner. I had the goal to beat Oprah's marathon time of 4:29:15. It took me 11 marathons, but I finally did it in 2019. Now I run for fun.
I both love and hate the dunes. They are beautiful and treacherous, and they challenge the driver not to get stuck and the navigator not to get lost when everything looks the same.
Pace is my biggest challenge. I tend to overthink everything, and I want to stop and verify everything. Literally everything.
The Rebelle Rally has made me more adaptable and patient. Post Rebelle, I feel like I am better able to roll with the punches and let things roll off my back more easily.
Considering what I do for a living, I had a less than stellar start with cars. As a kid, I would watch my dad wash and detail his car every weekend, and I wanted to help. So, one Saturday morning when I was up before the rest of the house, I went out and washed my dad's car. With a wire brush. Oops. My dad never let me help him wash his car after that.
