I come from a criminal justice/public safety background, as a prosecutor and member of the New York governor’s cabinet. I have been doing public safety work for the past 30 years. One of the greatest challenges of the public safety field is having a safe and trustworthy Internet, and holding those accountable who use the Internet as a vehicle to commit crimes. GCA was created to make sure tools, solutions and knowledge should be shared with everyone globally, irrespective of their ability to pay for such services. While effort is needed to make one’s self safe online, we need to make this much easier for folks. Our toolkit for small and medium businesses uses non-tech language to explain ways to protect you and your business.
Who inspires you?
Patsy Takemato Mink-she was the first Asian female member of Congress. She was the valedictorian of her college class, but did not get into one medical school because she was a woman. She eventually became a lawyer and was the author of Title 9, which among other things forced equality regarding spending between mens’ and womens’ sports collegiate sports. I benefited from this legislation.
What is the best meal you ever had?
My husband makes the greatest short ribs ever. Never disappoints.
Where is your favorite place in the world?
Walker, Minnesota-population 1,800. Small town USA. My family has a lake house there. Despite the lake being named Leech Lake, we swim in it every day when we are there. Things are simple and quiet there.
What do you enjoy doing when you are not working?
Read or play with my kids. I’ve been a swimmer since I was a kid and I love it. I go almost every morning with my kids to our local Y (pre-pandemic). I’ve participated in the 8 Bridges Hudson River Swim, doing 15 miles from the Newburgh Bridge to Bear Mountain Bridge. And even though I’ve had six shoulder surgeries, and should give my body a break, I still swim and don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. When the pool is closed, I bike about 100 miles a week. It is very therapeutic and good exercise!