About Me

I will not be silenced. I will live out loud. I will not edit or censor myself. I will tell the truth.
I will not be safe; I will be dangerous, provocative, risky, and bold.
(Me)

I am a renegade.

I am drawn to living boldly and out-loud. I am drawn to others who (want to) do the same. Sometimes this can be seen as unconventional or risky – whether personally, professionally, relationally, or spiritually – but that’s what being a renegade is all about. When we live in renegade ways, we get to be courageous, daring, stunningly beautiful, and powerful. And who wouldn’t want that?!?

Why “Renegade?”

Too much of the time we live our lives conventionally. We figure out what is required of us in our roles and relationships and then work diligently, tirelessly, and too often at great cost, to keep everything intact and never rock the boat. Further, I believe that our culture (and specifically, our religions) confine us even more. We learn the rules and regulations then fall into line and comply – living only halfway.

As I began developing my business and thinking about what made it significant, unique, and reflective of me, I came across the word renegade. As soon as I found and read the definition it struck a chord.

renegade: noun. A deserter from one faith, cause, or allegiance to another; those who reject lawful or conventional behavior; amazing people who live from their hearts.

The italicized portion is my own add-on, but even without such, the word defines me. And it defines what I believe each of us are not only capable of, but called to. Whether in a personal/relational context, or in a professional one, the world needs people who will step up and be renegades. And, perhaps most importantly, we need to be renegades for our own sake, living full-on, boldly, out-loud, and with impact.

Renegades have existed throughout time – in under-the-radar ways and in larger-than-life ways. Their lives matter. They live out loud. They do not settle. They are amazing, vital, and magnetic. Isn’t that the kind of person you want to be? It definitely rings true for me.

My story:

I love good conversation – on pretty much any topic – but especially when it’s challenging, provocative, and transformative. And I feel incredibly lucky to be able to have not just good, but great conversations with amazing people all the time. I have been hearing and sharing in the others’ stories for over 20 years – thinking about belief (or lack thereof), hope, despair, past, future, self, others, life, and yes, faith and feminism. It’s a privilege and a joy. It changes me.

I received my Bachelor’s degree in Business and Communication from Whitworth College and my Master of Divinity degree as well as a Certificate in Spiritual Direction from Mars Hill Graduate School in Seattle. I worked there in leadership and as the Director of Conferences for nearly five years. I work as a consultant in Career Transition realms which continues to (mostly) pay my mortgage while I Write and Speak, have amazing Conversations, and provide Spiritual Direction.

I have taught a ton of studies in realms of spirituality and/or leadership, led conferences, preached, spoken, listened, and talked some more. In addition to being a certified Spiritual Director I am a licensed minister and am waiting for one of my dearest friends to finally set the date so that I can do her wedding.

Did I mention that I love to talk? I am a woman with more to say than I have time to speak or write – but I keep trying. My favorite and most passionate topics are inspired by stories of women, by my own story, by the day-to-day stuff of life that both challenges and compels. Here’s one of my favorites: A Second Look.

I’ve been published in journals and periodicals including, Christian Feminism Today and FullFill magazines. I have been blogging at my own site for nearly five years and in addition, contribute to others’ with guest posts and interviews. And, not surprisingly, I’m a talker on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn, as well. Currently working toward the dream of a book, I hope to challenge women to levels of extravagance, risk, and life that far exceed their wildest dreams.

Most important of all, I am the proud mother of two renegade daughters: the most amazing, brilliant, beautiful, witty, smart, and strong girls in all the world – who happen to be able to engage in pretty good conversation themselves!