Where are you from?
I’m originally from Sydney, Australia. I moved to San Diego when I was in high school. I feel like I’m a San Diego native because I’ve been here for about 40 years. I did move a lot over the years, moving back to Australia, and living in London and Washington, D.C., but I couldn’t stay away from San Diego.
What do you do?
I recently joined Kyriba, the global leader in cloud treasury solutions, as Vice President of Global Sales Operations. I am excited about helping Kyriba grow and scale by optimizing processes and systems for the sales team.
Do you have any musical background?
I’ve never played an instrument, but I sang in choir in high school and through college. My high school in Australia had music and music appreciation classes, and we listened to classical music every morning in assembly. Music was always a part of my education and that was the beginning of my passion for music.
How did you first get involved with SDYS?
Another Board member invited me to an SDYS Angels’ Angels event. I was immediately hooked by listening to the musicians play. That particular event had some of the Community Opus Project students perform and after seeing this group of musicians for the first time and talking to their parents, I realized the importance of this program. I joined Angels’ Angels, started attending concerts, and became more and more involved.
What inspired you to join the Board?
After being involved with SDYS, I saw all the good work the organization was doing. I was asked to join the Board, but I thought “How can I help? I’m not a musician. I don’t have fundraising skills, and I’m not in marketing.” But I realized that my skills in leadership, team building, and a lot of operational-type skills could be leveraged by the Board. So I joined!
What’s your favorite thing about SDYS?
It’s the enthusiasm of the students. Whether they’re Opus students or Balboa Park students, you watch the students rehearsing or performing, and they are all so excited and enthusiastic about what they’re doing. For the past two summers, I had the opportunity to host an international student during SDYS’ International Youth Symphony program, and I got to see the camaraderie between the musicians and watch those relationships develop.
What was that experience like?
I didn’t know what to expect since I am not a parent and had never hosted a student before, but it was a great experience to understand how talented and dedicated these young musicians are. The students were dedicated to their daily practice and were great house guests. I enjoyed it so much the first year I was happy to host another international student again this year.
How would you say others can or should get involved with SDYS?
If you’re interested in SDYS, come to a concert, or even better, a rehearsal! It’s a great starting point, and a wonderful experience. Joining Angels’ Angels is a perfect way to learn more about SDYS and provide support. If you’re passionate about our organization and you have skills you think would benefit a committee, we’re always looking for good people. But really, coming to the concerts and events and supporting the students is one of the best ways to begin your involvement with SDYS.
Fun fact about yourself?
I performed at the Sydney Opera House, as part of a community choir performing Handel’s Messiah. We rehearsed a few times and then performed two concerts in the Opera House with an orchestra, which was an amazing experience. It’s a beautiful concert hall in a superb location and it was really fun to be there.
