Tell us about what you're doing with your life
I met my husband, Jim Griffeth, on a dating app in October, 2020. Jim, an Electrical Engineer (Brown '79/HBS '84), had just retired from a 37 year career in high-tech marketing. In the 3rd month of dating, an opportunity to co-create together landed on our laps. We co-founded Epic Love Institute, where we help couples overcome their negative patterns and build their dream relationships. We also help singles date better to attract higher quality prospects.
This journey with Jim has been a surprising and rewarding since this is encore careers for both of us. I was laid off from a 27-year pharmaceutical sales career in 2011 and embarked on the entrepreneurial journey.
I've written two books so far, sharing how the Internal Family Systems (IFS) Self-leadership healing and transformational model can help us become a version of ourselves that is capable of courageous vulnerability, depth, and intimacy.
If you could change anything about your Cornell experience, what would it be?
I was so emotionally naive at Cornell. I wished that I had a "Big Sister" that could have encouraged me to explore more than I did. Unfortunately, my parents didn't know what to do to support me so I had to figure it out on my own. The kids today have access to so much more and I wished I had the opportunities they do now. I should have joined more clubs and gotten myself out there more.
What does being a Cornell alumnus mean to you?
I'm proud to have "survived" Cornell. I came to the USA at age 9, without a word of English. It took me until high school to catch up with English. My journey as an immigrant has empowered me to believe that I can accomplish anything I put my mind to. It still shocks me to this day that I became an "accidental" author despite English being the subject I hated the most because it wasn't my native language. I like being affiliated with Cornell and the opportunities it gives to meet other alums through the Cornell Club gatherings.
What are you most looking forward to at Reunion 2024?
I'm looking forward to reconnecting and sharing stories about lessons we have learned in the last 40 years of trials and tribulations. What is the meaning of life? What regrets don't we want to have at the end of our lives? What really makes you alive and happy? What is the legacy you want to leave behind? How would you like to improve your relationships? What are you really afraid of?