10 Questions ...

Profession: Senior strategic planner and project manager

Dog-sport involvement: As a third-generation dog show enthusiast, I’ve been deeply involved in the sport for more than 30 years, combining my lifelong passion with a commitment to safety and advocacy. Growing up in Puerto Rico showing dogs and Paso Fino horses, I now dedicate my efforts as the second vice chairperson of Show-Safe to promoting the well-being of participants and their canine companions.

Hometown: Cloverly, Maryland

Astrological sign: Virgo

1. Do you have any dog-show superstitions?

I never buy the champagne until our dog wins. There’s nothing sadder than coming home with a cooler full of bubbly and no ribbon to toast! I’ve learned that the best celebrations happen when you let the win lead the way. Until then, the cooler stays empty.

2. TV-show guilty pleasure?

Does “Murder, Mystery & Makeup” by Bailey Sarian count? Because nothing says “relaxation” like true crime, flawless makeup and just the right amount of “Did she really just say that?!” vibes.

3. If you were president of AKC for one day, what would you do?  

I’d set the tone for innovation while honoring the traditions that make the AKC special. My first priority would be assembling a well-rounded team of stakeholders — judges, breeders, exhibitors, handlers and, most importantly, newcomers and younger dog enthusiasts — to conduct a comprehensive strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats (SWOT) analysis. This would help us identify the AKC’s strengths, like its legacy and expertise; weaknesses, such as barriers to entry for newcomers and outdated systems; opportunities to modernize and attract new participants, and threats, such as competition with modern hobbies and attacks from animal-rights organizations. This foundational understanding would guide meaningful, strategic change to position the AKC for long-term success.

Next, I’d focus on disrupting the outdated business model, inspired by companies like Amazon and Uber. They revolutionized their industries by removing barriers and addressing pain points traditional systems ignored. Similarly, the AKC could create a modern digital platform to connect dog lovers with reputable breeders, offer user-friendly educational resources, and establish mentorship programs for newcomers. By simplifying club memberships and fostering a welcoming environment, we can grow participation and engagement in the sport.

Lastly, I’d tackle exclusivity and polarization in the dog-show world. Many clubs make it unnecessarily difficult for new members to join or feel welcome, creating an unapproachable atmosphere. To combat this, I’d implement programs to foster mentorship and inclusion and launch a PR campaign to counter misinformation from animal-rights groups. By promoting the importance of purposefully bred dogs and creating an accessible, modernized sport, the AKC could secure its place in the future while honoring its storied traditions.

4. Most valued material possession?

The view from my deck. It’s my daily reminder to pause, breathe and enjoy life’s simple pleasures.

5. What is something no one would guess about you?

I’m a total “car concert” queen! No one would guess that I crank up Pitbull, Nicki Minaj and Daddy Yankee in my car, singing my heart out like I’m headlining a concert.

6. Who would you compare yourself to?

My grandmothers, Emilia and Olimpia, who have always been my greatest inspiration. When faced with a problem, I often ask myself, “How would they have handled this?” These remarkable women were true trailblazer s —professional women who juggled demanding careers and family life with grace and determination.

7. What are you “famous” for?

For throwing parties that somehow turn into epic, never-ending events people talk about for years — sometimes decades! They always seem to hit that perfect mix of fun, playful vibes, and just enough magic to keep people laughing until the sun comes up ... and occasionally wondering how they’re still awake.

8. What website do you visit most often?

According to my browser history, it’s the Washington Post — what can I say, I like to stay informed! Though, if we’re being honest, it’s a close race with Harvard Business Review, LinkedIn and the occasional deep dive into Google during my “fact-checking rabbit hole” moments.

9. What was more memorable, your most satisfying win or disappointing defeat? And what was it?

Our most memorable and disappointing moments both came under judges with the same last name. Our most disappointing defeat was at the 1997 World Dog Show in Puerto Rico. We had a spectacular, spitfire Smooth Fox Terrier named INT LAT PR Ch. Winsapphire Cash the Check. "Check" had won the breed the three days leading up to the World Dog Show in a stellar lineup of Smooth Fox Terriers. Mrs. Jane Forsyth was judging Smooth Fox Terriers, and we were giddy with expectations — she had previously awarded Check the breed over specials at a show in the U.S. However, when she lined up the winners, Check didn’t even make the cut.

Fast-forward 23 years, and Mrs. Forsyth’s daughter, Mrs. Sioux Forsyth-Green, gave us our most memorable win. She awarded MBIS MRBIS GCh. Solivia’s Decisions Decisions ("Freesia") Best of Breed at the Westminster Kennel Club. To say we were elated would be an understatement — it was a full-circle moment we will never forget.

10. What do you wish someone would ask you?

“Do you want to be AKC’s chief strategy officer?”