What advice would you give your younger self who is just starting out in the industry? 
Network and become involved early on. Speaking from the perspective of a Chemist, networking helps you to meet other industry professions at all levels of experience and is beneficial to your career. Also don’t just focus on one area of formulation but try to gain experience across multiple chemistries and formulation aspect within the industry, such as OTCs, skin care and hair cosmetics.

What is the favorite part of your job?

Helping customers achieve their vision and helping to groom the careers of new Chemists in the industry.

What has been your most recent professional accomplishment?

Helping to grow the formulation capabilities at Cosmetic Solutions and being a part of the all-volunteer board that successfully put together, despite challenges, the 2017 Sunscreen Symposium.

How has membership in the SCC been of value to you?

Being an SCC member has given me the opportunity to advance technically in my career and offers the opportunity to network with other professionals of the industry. It has also helped me to push myself on a personal level. Four years ago I decided to step out of my comfort zone and become more active in my local Florida Chapter by volunteering to be the newsletter editor; this experience has allowed me to see the behind the scenes of the commitment and hard work (all while holding full time jobs) it takes to keep the Chapter going. As a result of that experience I decided to run for Office in 2015. Deciding to run for office was a huge deal for me because I am more of a “behind the scenes person”, but I decided to challenge myself and I am now chair of the Florida Chapter for 2018-2019.

What is a fun fact about yourself, outside of the SCC and your professional life?

I ran three half marathons with no future goals or dreams of ever running a full! ?