People of Sleep Number

“I love hiking. I’m trying to complete one hike in each state. I’m up to 40 now and so far, my favorite has been in Moab, Utah. I also like wineries and vineyards. My favorite is the Winery at Wolf Creek. It has the most beautiful views. I’d like to have one of my own one day.

College football also tops my list of interests. I live and breathe it. Every generation of my family has a football star. My dad and brothers are all still involved in college football, playing and coaching various seasons at Boston College, Michigan State, Stanford University, and the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff. I’m lucky I get to travel to support my family and meet so many people beyond a school’s football program.

Teamwork is incredibly important to me. The need for unity and education is strong in all team members. If I’ve learned anything from college football, it’s that the team doesn’t win if the team doesn’t work. If the team doesn’t value diversity, that’s not going to work either. The possibilities ranging from mentorship and support to learning and getting more involved make Sleep Number and our team members so unique.

When I look at Sleep Number’s values, the one that resonates most is innovation. I envision a workplace and environment that hasn’t been seen before and I believe it takes courage to get things done in an innovative way. I also seek the innovative nature of being in a founding position, which is why I am so excited to be Sleep Number’s first Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I’m only a couple months in and I’m thrilled with how quickly I’ve already been able to meet and get to know so many people.

Growing up, I’ve basically been a cheerleader. That has transformed into my personal style – always chasing my dreams and helping others do the same. I blend my bold personality with courage to look at something and say, ‘Well, it’s been done this way before, but what’s next? How can we meet the need in a different way or predict a need that hasn’t been voiced yet?’ That’s why I am eager to bring empathy, storytelling, data and metrics together in a unique union that, fueled by passionate and purpose-driven people, creates an inclusive space for everyone.

At Sleep Number I am the Director of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion and my Sleep Number® setting is 85.