1. Can you provide us with some information about your background? Your education and career?

Both of my parents were faculty in the College of Engineering (Electrical Engineering) so the University of Illinois was part of my life from early on. Some of the most impactful experiences growing up as a child of U of I professors were two sabbatical years, both in Southern France. Being thrown into a public French school at age 7 (my parents would not characterize it this way!) was an immersive experience in a new language and culture – it was scary and rewarding and thrilling, and set the stage for the types of experiences I sought thereafter.

I attended the academically rigorous University of Illinois Laboratory High School which provided the opportunity to attend courses at UIUC starting my junior year. I felt so proud walking through campus to my “grown up” classes.

The only thing I knew growing up was that I wanted to attend college outside of the CU area, but after I was accepted to the Civil Engineering program at UIUC, I realized all other programs paled in comparison. After graduating I went on to the University of Texas at Austin where I graduated in 2002 with a Master’s in Transportation Engineering. I seriously considered coming back to UIUC for a PhD, but after being offered a role at McKinsey & Company I decided to take a different path. I spent 12 years at McKinsey working primarily within the air and travel industries surrounded by some of the brightest and most incredible people. 

In 2015 I left McKinsey to pursue something completely different – my husband (also originally from CU, and a Northwestern grad) and I founded Fairlawn, a real estate investment, development and management firm. With fewer than 10 employees and 300 units at the start, to 150 employees, 6,000 units and over $700 million in assets under management today, it has been a whirlwind. My focus area as CEO is ensuring that we have the strongest operational platform to optimize property and investment performance. Our core purpose is to create better places – this energizes me every day. I am also extremely passionate about investing in and developing people. Some of my best stories center around people who are at the heart of our business.

2. Can you tell us more about how you have stayed connected to the University of Illinois since your time as a student?

My parents and my relationship with my husband kept me coming back to campus quite often during my early career. I moved back to the CU area after getting married, and our passions for music and the arts linked us immediately to Krannert Center for the Performing Arts. Our earliest contributions were annual gifts to Krannert along with serving on its Advancement Council. Beyond that we have been proud to support athletics and the medical school. 

I also feel very linked to the school professionally, as we launched a student brand called Smile Student Living several years ago. Through this brand we provide quality housing to students on the UIUC campus where we currently have 3,700 beds, with two new developments currently under construction.

Perhaps the most personal connection with the university comes from my long runs which often take me through campus, which is so beautiful every time of year.

3. Giving to the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign is clearly important to you. Can you explain what compelled you to give and keep giving? What do you hope your philanthropy accomplishes for the university?

This may sound obvious, but a single person can make such a positive difference in this world.  At Fairlawn, I see every day what a difference a single great person can make to everyone around them. Education helps develop great people. We want to do anything we can to support the university and facilitate the development of more great people positively impacting the world and those around them.

4. What advice can you share about how to make a lasting impact at the University of Illinois?

Giving can come in so many different forms – yes, of course financial, but also time and advocacy, spreading the word about the importance and impact of the University of Illinois.

Find a program that is especially meaningful to you, that you feel connected to. For me an especially meaningful program to support was the new medical school at UIUC. I believed in the intersection between medicine and engineering, and so the creation of a world class program right here spoke to me. Being able to support the inaugural class was an honor. 

5. What is your favorite University of Illinois memory?

Besides all the fun I had with my friends at various bars and restaurants back in the late 90s?  Probably working for a Civil Engineering professor connected to the airline industry. I had always been obsessed with travel, but he introduced me to the business side of the fascinating airline industry.  I learned so much from him about investing in talent and trusting them to run with their projects (even if they make mistakes). This also started my love affair with the airline industry, which will never ever really end.