Dawn and Jodi met several years ago at a networking event and have stayed connected on social media. Dawn finally decided to join Jodi in the Lemoyne studio for an updated headshot and some beauty portraits with AFH’s FIERCE Over 40 project!.
START BY TELLING ME WHO YOU ARE? WHERE ARE YOU FROM? GIVE ME A SHORT BIO OF YOU AND YOUR LIFE.
Dawn is a CEO and technologist with security, training, and policy specializations. She can make complex technical information relatable for any audience. This is showcased in her writings for trade publications and books, speaking engagements at industry events, her MSP, 3rd Element, and Podcast, Rebel Executives.
3rd Element has been in business since 2005 and in the last few years has gone national. Her clients span verticals from government to cannabis and everything in between. Dawn holds an MBA in IT, as well as a long string of industry standard certifications.
In her free time, she serves as President of her local Rotary club, and as an Advisory Board member with Datastream Cyber Insurance, Gradient MSP and The Channel Company for XChange. Dawn has been married for more than 25 years to her husband and partner in everything. They have two boys and a fuzzy eared dog named Pilot.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
That I can stop caring about other people's standards. I just don't care anymore.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Family. My husband and I raised two amazing men and we have the rest of our lives to enjoy each other.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING THAT YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Being my own boss and running a successful company.
WHAT TRAIT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Confidence. I did the fake it til you make for a long time.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?
Failure has always been my biggest fear. It ties into imposter syndrome.
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
Maybe be a smidge taller. It's annoying to have to climb shelves to reach items.
WHEN, IN YOUR LIFE, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
When I finished a year long management class. When I divorced, I knew it was the right thing for me.
WHEN, IN YOUR LIFE, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
Speaking in front of a large audience of my peers. You know you've made it when your peers recognize you for your talents, insight and leadership.
HAVE YOUR PERCEPTIONS OF WHAT BEING "ATTRACTIVE" MEANS CHANGED OVER TIME? WHAT DO YOU DEFINE AS ATTRACTIVE NOW?
My perception hasn't changed all that much. I personally value intelligence, emotional intelligence and trust. I like good people and feel that we tend t o flock together. What a good person looks like doesn't matter - their soul does.
Jodi has captured some amazing images with this FIERCE Over 40 project, but the one of Dawn above is one of her favorites. She looks so regal and princess-like! If only she’d brought her crown!
I love that purple dress image... and I love how she feels at the age she is at! Its what we all strive for! Beautiful images, and I know she will look back on this and be so excited she took the time to capture who she is!
I love that she says the beta thing about her age is that she can stop caring about other peoples standards! If only we all could learn this sooner we’d all love happier more fulfilled lives in just being who we are created to be!
The posing and lighting is on point! Such a great variety to have for future use!
Wow, these are beautiful headshots for this small business owner! I love the variety of outfits she selected!