The FIERCE Over 40 project has brought all different types of women into the AFH Media studio. Tall, short, gray hair, brown hair blonde hair, blue eyes, glasses, etc. You name it, we've had it and we've loved each lady that has come into the studio. Barbara's naturally curly, gray hair is what set her apart for us, but this 57 year old, Information Technologies Program Manager is more than just a beautiful face.
START BY TELLING ME WHO YOU ARE? WHERE ARE YOU FROM? GIVE ME A SHORT BIO OF YOU AND YOUR LIFE.
Originally from the Lake Tahoe area, our family moved around a lot being that my dad worked in the casino industry, which was his second career—his first was as a circus performer and carnival worker. Gambling legalization in NJ brought us to the East Coast my sophomore year in High School. After high school I traveled with the carnival for a couple of seasons and then enrolled in business school in Northern NJ. That launched my career as an executive administrative assistant that eventually morphed into the IT field. It is the IT field and the advent of the Internet that helped me, my sister and two brothers find and reunite with our half sister we found out about after our mom had passed away. I’ve had a successful IT career for more than 20 years, I have a son who is now 27 and I am the proud “Gamma B” of an adorable 2 year old granddaughter. When not working, I am on the board of a nonprofit horse rescue, Prairie Fire Farms Foundation, where I sponsor and ride an off the track Thoroughbred. I’m also on the Grants Committee and volunteer staff of an organization that raises money for environmental causes, mostly in Central PA—Sandy Hollow Arts and Recreation for the Environment. I currently live in Hershey PA with my partner, Matt. We love to travel and in our 6+ years together, we have traveled to Idaho, Nevada, numerous states in the Northeastern United States, Prague in the Czech Republic (now Czechia), Southern England and Jamaica. I’ve also been to Finland, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Canada and Mexico. We also enjoy camping, baseball and dining out—but I also love to cook. I’m 57 years old and in the last few years I have embraced the idea of letting the hair go gray (if it wants), being a grandma and doing everything I can to not let the aches and pains of an aging body keep me from being as active as possible.
WHAT IS THE BEST THING ABOUT BEING YOUR AGE?
Caring less about what others think of me and more about how I can help others.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST ACHIEVEMENT?
Raising a kind, compassionate son who will help his daughter thrive and grow.
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING YOU HAVE CHECKED OFF YOUR BUCKET LIST?
Traveling to Europe
WHAT TRAIT ARE YOU MOST PROUD OF?
Optimism and the ability to bounce back and make the best of whatever life hands me.
WHAT IS YOUR GREATEST FEAR?
War
IF YOU COULD CHANGE ONE THING ABOUT YOURSELF, WHAT WOULD IT BE?
I’d spend more time connecting with friends and family in person.
WHEN, IN YOUR LIFE, HAVE YOU FELT MOST CONFIDENT, AND WHY?
After my first promotion into a supervisory role. I felt empowered to help others grow in their careers.
HAVE YOUR PERCEPTIONS OF WHAT BEING "ATTRACTIVE" MEANS CHANGED OVER TIME? WHAT DO YOU DEFINE AS ATTRACTIVE NOW?
I’ve always felt that beauty is only skin deep, but even more so as I’ve gotten older. The most attractive people I know are those who have the ability to show empathy, kindness and have a sense of humor and wonder.
Barb was a wonderful FIERCE Over 40 project participant. We have only a few spots remaining for our 2022 FIERCE project. If you're interested in more information, click the link below!