I am excited to put on my dancing shoes as a participant in Dancing with the stars of Charlotte, a fundraiser benefiting Carolina Best Friends' Pink House. 

My personal connection to the cause drove my desire to participate, but I was terrified about the idea of dancing in front of so many people. I quickly got over it by realizing this is not about me, this event is an opportunity to honor and support my former manager and mentor Meg Burke, who is currently battling cancer, and many others who lost their battle or continue to fight. I was always encouraged by Meg to take on challenges that might make me uncomfortable. She taught me that the best way to overcome a fear - is to lean in.

I admire Meg's grace and strength in the face of her breast cancer diagnosis. She is competent and strong, and someone who always made herself available. I was introduced to Meg early in my career with Goldman Sachs at a time when I didn't have the highest self-confidence. Meg impressed me with her supportive leadership style and she had a presence that I wanted to emulate. She believed in me before I believed in myself. Meg's positive attitude and approach to life inspired me to take this opportunity outside of my comfort zone to conquer my own fear and to grow.  

Being relatively new to Charlotte, I am delighted and passionate about giving back to the community as one of this year's Stars who is dancing and fundraising to support the mission of Carolina Breast Friends. You can help us by voting with your charitable dollars. Every donation you make through this page supports the services Carolina Breast Friends provides for those with breast cancer in the greater Charlotte community. Every dollar equals 1 vote for me in the dance competition. Thank you in advance for your generosity! It matters.