We talked to her about managing an organization with so much on the line.
I was raised in North Carolina, but both my parents are from Brooklyn.
So I think I had New York in my blood.
I knew pretty early on that I wanted to make my way here.
I was lucky to land an entry-level job with Ogilvy & Mather, the marketing and advertising giant.
That was in 2006.
Take us through a recent workday.
Then, on my commute, I scan theNew York Timesand theWall Street Journal.
Yesterday began with a press call, delivering meals to our recipients.
I was able to grab a quick bite at my desk while following up on emails and phone calls.
I left the office by 6 p.m. for dinner with a donor and board member.
I often finish off the day by signing letters to our donors.
Its important for me to thank them personally for their generosity.
What apps, gadgets, or tools cant you live without?
I cannot live without my iPhone and my family will tell you that!
I absolutely rely on theMTA Subway Time appto get where I need to go all over the city.
Im also a bit addicted to social media.
On Facebook Im keeping up with friends and family.
Whats your workspace setup like?
I have to admit, its a bit on the messy side!
I have both a conventional desk and a standing desk which allows me to be flexible.
Honestly, Id love to have a walking desk.
There are also three pieces I keep that truly inspire me every day.
The second is a picture of Mamie, who is the first meal recipient I ever visited.
She lived in Brownsville, Brooklyn, the same neighborhood where my dad grew up.
There was an immediate connection, but what really keeps her so strong in my memory is her spirit.
She lived in a small, dark, cluttered apartment.
Her shoes were held together with duct tape.
Her eyes twinkled as she cocked her head to one side for that photo.
It makes me smile now just thinking of her.
More than a decade later, weve now delivered 58 million meals!
A little more than a year ago, our landlord renovated the floor where our offices are located.
Our offices once formed a very long narrow corridor which tended to stifle conversation.
Now our work space is primarily lower cubicles, which create a more open and collaborative environment.
It has enabled us to break down some of the silos that can divide different departments.
Whats your best shortcut or life hack?
At least once a day, I take a moment to slow down, breathe and refocus.
Short circuiting stress or panic enables me to have a clear picture and move forward.
Its why I keep a sandglass near my desk as a reminder.
I also use my commute home each night to plan for the following day.
Last year Citymeals relied on more than 21,000 volunteers to ensure our lifeline of nourishment and companionship.
I always say that once you go on a meal delivery youre hooked.
Take us through an interesting, unusual, or finicky process you have in place at work.
Recently, Ive started having a lunch date with a different staff member each month.
I pick a name randomly out of a jar.
Everything we do here at Citymeals relies on the incredible generosity of New Yorkers.
How do you keep track of what you have to do?
I was a convert to the world of the Franklin Covey planner in the mid-90s.
I dont have my planner anymore, but if I lost my spiral notebook Id be in big trouble.
How do you recharge or take a break?
So its become important for me to get up and walk around every hour or so.
On a nice day, Ill even take a walk outside.
Whats your favorite side project?
My current side project is house hunting and its taking quite a long time.
My other side project is training for a long-distance bike ride I do in the fall.
What are you currently reading, or what do you recommend?
I love to read, but can get so engrossed that Ill stay up all night.
I need to stop and go to sleep!
Now the main character, Kate, is in her 50s and entering a different phase of her life.
My parents live in Florida.
My job does give me a better understanding of the aging process and whats needed to be comfortable.
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Kirsten Gillibrand,Daniel Bouludand my husband.
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Be true to who you are, keep doing what youre doing, and focus on delivering excellence.
The second best advice I ever received was in fourth grade.
I was changing schools in the middle of the year and was really nervous about making new friends.
I am intrinsically shy and my dad said, Keep your mouth shut.
That advice has helped me throughout my life.
Whats a problem youre still trying to solve?
The biggest challenge we have at Citymeals is expanding our annual fundraising to meet the growing need.
Answers have been lightly edited and some links have been added.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
