In addition to my many successful professional endeavors, there have also been personal challenges and achievements in my life's journey as both a member of the LGBTQIA+ community and as someone who suffers from a rare and incurable heart condition, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM). I am a member of the US Chamber of Commerce Small Business Council, a member of the LGBT Task Force in Illinois, and a mentor to the LGBT Chamber of Commerce of Illinois Entrepreneurship Program. I volunteer as a Board Member, an ambassador, and a core team committee member of the Legislative Advocacy Committee for the Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy Association (HCMA). An organization that is literally near and dear to my heart.