Where to begin! I grew up in a small town in the Southern US during the 1960s and 1970s, where life was about hard work (started working in the 4th grade), sports, church on Sundays, and a big love for my country. Being the youngest in my family, I wasn’t ready for college after high school. Instead, I followed my interest and joined the military, which was something I’d always dreamed of doing as a very patriotic person. I served in two branches first serving in the Navy and then the US Marines.  I worked as an electronics technician, and that practical experience opened the door for me to attend Electrical Engineering School at LSU. From there, I jumped into the fast-paced world of Fortune 500 manufacturing, and eventually made my way to Washington, D.C., in 2004. Part of my drive was to catch up to men my age whom had not served in the military.  When I turned 40 and had settled down with a family, I embraced the bachelor life, diving into my career and interest with travel. In the competitive world of DC, I continued my education along the way at top universities in the US and Europe.