Senior Vice President, New York City Economic Development Corporation
“Moving forward, we must maintain our role as fierce advocates for the unheard.“
In your opinion, what qualities make a “Moves Mentor”?
A Moves Mentor is someone who actively looks out for their mentees in ways that uplift them in their work. They create an environment where mentees feel supported to bring forward new ideas and contribute to the work itself. In my own mentoring approach, I try to balance being hands-on while allowing mentees to lead. I structure our time to discuss their goals, asking questions like ‘What’s next for you?’ ‘What do you want to learn this year?’ and ‘How can I help you succeed in these goals?'”
How can mentorship help bridge the gap between generations in the workplace, and what challenges arise from these differences?
Diversity is fundamental to effective mentorship. When we bring together people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives, including age differences, we create richer learning opportunities for everyone involved. Diverse mentorship relationships help break down barriers, challenge assumptions, and create more inclusive environments overall. Forming diverse relationships also helps with realizing your own potential biases and mentorship is no exception.
How does mentoring benefit the mentor? Career-wise? Intellectually? Spiritually? Socially?
Mentoring creates a reciprocal relationship that enriches both parties. As a mentor, I’ve found that it sharpens my own leadership skills and keeps me connected to fresh perspectives and new ideas. It’s intellectually stimulating because mentees often challenge traditional thinking and bring innovative approaches to problems. There’s also a profound spiritual and emotional satisfaction in helping others grow and succeed. Socially, it builds meaningful relationships and strengthens community. Importantly, mentoring allows us to actively participate in creating the change we hope to see in the future in our industries.
Given that all personalities are different, what are some of the things you do to motivate your mentees?
Every mentee is unique, which means motivation can’t be one-size-fits-all. I’ve found that consistent touchpoints are essential—not just to track progress, but to build a relationship grounded in trust. I value direct communication because clarity eliminates guesswork and fosters openness. Positive reinforcement plays a big role, too; celebrating small wins can be incredibly powerful. And perhaps most importantly, I set clear expectations early on. When mentees know what’s expected of them, it creates a sense of purpose and direction that helps them stay engaged and confident.
With the knock on Gen Z not being too receptive to following instructions and/or being told what to do, Do you believe in constructive criticism as a vital means of mentoring/teaching?
Absolutely. Constructive criticism—when delivered with empathy and clarity—is one of the most powerful tools in mentoring. While it’s often said that Gen Z resists being told what to do, I’ve found that when feedback is framed with the clear goal of growth and support, it’s not only well-received but welcomed. It’s about creating a dialogue, not a directive. Constructive feedback not only helps mentees improve, but also models how to offer meaningful feedback to others—a vital leadership skill in any generation.
As part of your mentoring style, are you always using the latest teaching methods and/or do you bring into the fold things you were taught that would work on today’s employees?
While I stay open to new teaching methods and evolving tools, I firmly believe that some fundamentals never go out of style. Good communication is timeless. Regardless of age or generation, taking the time to have one-on-one, personal conversations and truly getting to know someone always makes a difference. These foundational elements—genuine connection and clear communication—are just as effective today as they were years ago, and I make a point to blend them with modern approaches in my mentoring style.
How has your mentoring style evolved?
I try to balance both a hands-on and more relaxed approach. I intentionally set aside time to ask ‘What’s next for you? What do you want to learn this year? How can I help you succeed in these goals? Outside of the 2 3 performance evaluation, I make sure we meet to discuss how things are going and what are some goals professionally they wish to attain in the year ahead.
How do you know if your mentoring is working? Are there things you look for early on that make you instantly recognize progress?
Mentoring is working when I begin to see subtle but powerful shifts—like a more positive attitude, a growing sense of self-awareness, and the ability to recognize and articulate their own progress. One of the clearest early indicators is a mentee’s willingness to work hard and openly accept areas where improvement is needed. That kind of humility paired with drive is a strong signal that they’re not just hearing the feedback—they’re applying it. It’s not always about big leaps; often, it’s in those quiet moments of self-reflection and commitment where real growth takes root.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever been given?
“Make something happen each time you are in court.” This powerful advice came from my mentor at the San Francisco Public Defender’s Office, while I was just a law student in my first mentorship. He was a superstar attorney and fierce advocate for justice. The wisdom in these words extends far beyond the courtroom – it’s about seizing every opportunity to advance your client’s interests, no matter how small the hearing or routine the court appearance might seem. This mentor taught me that each court appearance is a chance to make a difference, whether it’s building credibility with the judge and parties, negotiating a better outcome, or simply ensuring your client’s voice is heard. It’s a reminder that as advocates, we can’t afford to be passive participants. This advice has shaped my approach to advocacy and has remained a guiding principle throughout my career.
What would you say to yourself if you could go back in time to 15 years?
Looking back to when my oldest son was just one year old, I would tell myself: Try to trust life and the process. You have a lot to bring to a family. I remember the challenges of balancing new motherhood with a career, but it’s important to have faith in yourself during those demanding times and know that you are capable and worthy of the challenge.
Who do you most admire? Why?
From an activist perspective, Gloria Steinem has been a profound inspiration throughout my life, leading me to feminism and the pursuit of social justice. She remains wise and committed to progress. At the age of 90, I recently heard her on a podcast state “Life is not one big decision, it is a series of understandings.” This exemplifies that we can continue to shape our lives and evolve as time progresses. On a more personal level, my younger sister exemplifies admirable dedication – working as a school psychologist helping children with mental health issues, running a therapy practice for children and adolescents, while being a wonderful, caring, and funny mother, sister, and aunt.
What was a defining moment or experience in your life that led you to where you are today?
A defining moment for me was during my time as a law student working at the public defender’s office. That experience opened my eyes to the real impact you can have on people’s lives through your work. It wasn’t always about sweeping changes—it was the small, consistent efforts, the moments of advocacy and empathy, that added up to something meaningful. That realization has stayed with me throughout my career. It shaped my approach to leadership, mentorship, and service, reminding me that purpose and progress often come one step at a time.
Should higher education be prioritized over work experience or a mix of both?
I believe a mix of both higher education and real-world experience is essential. People gain insights from all aspects of life, and often, it’s life experience that teaches the most about leadership, self-awareness, and career direction. Take legal practice, for example—while academic training lays the foundation, it’s the real-world application, the collaboration with clients and colleagues, and navigating complex, human-centered situations that truly help someone grow. That’s where they begin to understand not just how to do the work, but why it matters. It’s in those moments that professionals start to define their mission and role with clarity.
What is one unbreakable rule works for you?
I don’t have a single unbreakable rule, but I do believe in the power of consistency—whether it’s in showing up, being accountable, or committing to my values. While flexibility is important, I find that a steady commitment to doing things with integrity is something that can guide you through almost any situation.
Who do you yell at in the quiet of your head?
I think I often find myself ‘yelling’ at my own lack of confidence. There are moments when self-doubt creeps in, and I can be my own harshest critic. But over time, I’ve learned that acknowledging those moments of insecurity is part of the growth process. It’s not about silencing the doubts completely, but about learning how to manage them and use them as motivation to push forward.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be and why?
If I could have any superpower, it would be the ability to manipulate time. It’s all about solving the life-work balance problem. I’d slow down to spend more time with my family and be fully present in those moments that matter. At the same time, I could speed up through tasks that don’t require much attention, freeing up time to stay on top of work and still have room for the things that really count.
What’s your definition of a perfect day?
My perfect day would be starting with a good iced coffee at a cafe, then spending time outside with my family—maybe walking through the woods or just hanging out. I’d love to have some quiet time, read a good book, and enjoy the simple stuff. No rush, just a low-key day in nature with the people I enjoy being around