1. Where did you grow up?

Las Vegas, NV. But I was born in Chicago, IL - my family only lived there until I was two. I later ended up back in Chicago for college at Illinois Institute of Technology, but Vegas will always be my hometown.

2. Do you have any siblings?

Yes, two younger siblings. My sister is four years younger than I am and is in medical school at University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine. She has an Instagram page and YouTube channel focused on giving advice for studying for med school exams and tutorials for healthy eating (also, the occasional indulgence).

My brother is seven years younger than I am and is studying chemistry at University of Nevada, Reno.

3. What’s your favorite ice cream flavor?

Probably Cookies & Cream. Exceptions are brand specific like Haagen Daaz Coffee, Ben & Jerry’s Strawberry Cheesecake, and Izzy’s Dessa’s Existential Crunch 🤤

4. Who was your first style icon?

Posh Spice/Victoria Adams, now Victoria Beckham. I still have a copy of her book “That Extra Half an Inch: Hair, Heels and Everything in Between” on my coffee table for reference.

5. What are you looking forward to right now?

Spring weather and spring fashion. Fall is my favorite season but the sunshine and warmer temps after such a tough winter are putting pep in my step! Spring also brings new Minnesota fashion, with Black Fashion Week MN from April 18-27 and FWMN from April 28-May 4.

6. Given the choice of anyone real or imaginary, living or dead, whom would you want as a dinner guest?

Anthony Bourdain.

View this post on Instagram

Last night in #Minneapolis - @anthonybourdain. #statetheatre #closetothebone #bourdain @hennepintheatretrust #closetothebonetour Didn't think I could love him more than I already did, but I do. He was just as foul-mouthed and hilarious but respectful and inspiring as you'd think.

A post shared by Liz @ Urban Orchid Blog (@poizenisxkandee) on Jul 25, 2015 at 7:21am PDT

7. What do you see on the horizon for your line of work?

An even bigger focus on communications/connectivity and its impact on building technology infrastructure, including Power over Ethernet (PoE) lighting. After another unsuccessful attempt at electrical engineering licensure, I started to consider ways I could move forward in my work, even if in a different direction. One of those ways is to focus more on communications systems design, especially as our world becomes more and more connected with smartphones, smart homes, and the Internet of Things.