1. As one of the two new members, how did you get involved with IBG and what are your new responsibilities?
I suppose, in the most indirect way possible, I have Gillian Anderson to thank for my getting involved with IBG. She herself didn’t have anything to do with it of course, but her influence on me definitely did. I kind of came out of left field in terms of joining IBG; I didn’t know any of the members before I got involved and I didn’t even live in LA! But, I decided to go to the Conversation series event back in July, which coincided with me being in LA visiting friends and trying to find a place to live. To be honest, I wasn’t entirely positive what I had gotten myself into when I bought my ticket, but I’m unbelievably glad I went. When I saw everyone from IBG running around the Beverly Wilshire, all working together to make this event happen, I just knew it was something I wanted to be a part of. I was so inspired they were girls like me, working to raise an amazing amount of money for a deserving charity. I feel so fortunate they’ve allowed me to join them and I instantly felt so accepted and welcomed by everyone. Not only have I become part of a wonderful cause, I’ve made six amazing new friends and for that I am grateful.
My new responsibilities primarily revolve around social media; I’m now in charge of updating the IBG Twitter, Tumblr, and Facebook. I do my best to update the pages with something new and exciting every day. I’ve also been in charge of doing these member Q&A’s for our blog, as well as taking all of the profile pictures. It’s definitely been a great way to get to know everyone a little better! I also help to secure product donations for talent gift bags, which we give as a thank you to the talent for donating their time for our event.
2. Can you pick a favorite moment or memory from your time with IBG thus far?
Well, I was pretty darn proud the day I figured out we could use Google Translate to translate Kanji symbols into English, in order to get our July Conversation DVD’s through customs and into China. I also attempted to handwrite Kanji symbols on customs forms that day; definitely something I never predicted I’d be doing! It’s incredible how many different countries those DVD’S have been shipped to; we’re currently at 40 and counting. As someone who wants to travel anywhere and everywhere, sending out these DVD’s has been a fun process.
3. What inspires you on a daily basis?
People who live their lives with courage and don’t let fear get in the way. This probably sounds sappy, but that Diane Sawyer interview with Gabrielle Giffords really got me the other night. She has been through hell and she radiates light and joy; it’s amazing. I’m constantly inspired by people who stand up for what they believe in and create their own paths in life without worrying about any cookie cutter mold. I’ve been really helped and inspired by the teachings of Pema Chodron, particularly The Wisdom of No Escape and When Things Fall Apart. These are two teachings I turn to again and again for clarity and inspiration. I’m also really inspired by people with strong personal style; people who use their clothes to help express who they are.
4. In the next five years, what do you believe IBG can accomplish?
This is going to sound cliche, but I seriously think we can accomplish anything we put our minds to. I’d say the drive and determination in all of us is pretty high. I definitely see IBG becoming more of a known name and growing to not only produce more events per quarter but also events on a larger scale. I would love to plan events which include theatrical elements, like play readings or music concerts, and I absolutely believe these types of events are within our reach. Since I’ve only been involved for a short time, I’m so excited for the future of IBG, particularly the tentative plans we have for the new year!
5. What is one item or moment someone has given to you that you will never forget?
I love how I came up with these questions and have listened to five other people answer this yet I have had the hardest time coming up with my own answer! A moment that comes to mind though, is a card I got from my math tutor (who’s also a family friend) for college graduation. She tutored me all through middle school and high school, because even though I’m pretty bad at math, I somehow always ended up in the “smart people” math classes. Honors Pre Calculus was a particularly bad year for me. Anyways, in her card congratulating me on graduation, she told me she always wished she had had a daughter like me. It was such a sweet thing to hear from someone, particularly because I’ve struggled with the confidence it takes to become your own person and accept who you are.
6. Now for a Thanksgiving meat question…which would you rather fill your plate with: ham, turkey, or tofurkey?
I’m not a huge fan of ham and I’ve actually never tried Tofurkey, but I’d definitely be willing to give it a shot. So I’m going to have to go with turkey but make that fried turkey! Fried turkey is one of the south’s great gifts to the world (along with Waffle House and Chick Fil A). I normally celebrate Thanksgiving in Tennessee with some of the best fried turkey around. I’m sad to be missing it this year. I’m not sure what the trick is exactly because we leave the turkey frying to the dads, but I think it involves injecting the turkey with some sort of Cajun spices and then, of course, frying it in a vat of oil. Oh, it’s SO good.
Stay tuned next Friday for another round of Q&A’s!
