When I was informed that out of several impressive candidates, Patti Stanger had chosen me as her new Director of Recruiting for The Millionaire’s Club I was truly overwhelmed with excitement and emotion. Without a doubt, I was honored but most importantly I felt the need to step up to the task. I was well aware that many had attempted to live up to her expectations and many had failed. I told myself repeatedly that all of my life experiences had adequately prepared for me for this challenge and I would not let Patti or myself down. I did not realize at the time how this arduous journey would have an impact on the woman and matchmaker I am today.
Growing up in Dayton, Ohio was not always easy but I wouldn’t change it for the world. I was raised by a strong, Southern family who instilled in me a sense of dignity, self-love, work ethic and most importantly the belief that I could achieve anything in the world if I put my mind to it. I would make them proud by receiving a full academic scholarship to the University of Dayton. While studying there, I interned for the City of Dayton, completed a Media and Communications program at the University of London and graduated early with a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and a minor in Communications.
As Patti so wisely says, there are “givers” and “takers” in life and I have always been a “giver”. After graduating with my Psychology degree, I began life coaching in an official capacity. For some time, many had turned to me for guidance in both their personal and professional lives and I always felt comfortable providing it. I knew in my heart that I gave great advice and one day I should probably think about following my own J
I decided to make the move to Chicago to pursue a Juris Doctorate at Northwestern University School of Law. During my time in law school, I mentored at the juvenile detention center and led a research group to Cuba to study the impact of tourism on race relations. I also continued to coach for several clients in the areas of business and lifestyle but naturally my single clients began turning to me for direction with their love lives. I believe matchmaking and relationship counseling came easily to me as a result of my diverse life experience, Psychology degree, acute intuition, candor and access to extensive networks.
Once I graduated from law school, I made the move back to Ohio to be near family. While working as an attorney, I competed for the prestigious title of Miss Ohio USA 2003 of Donald Trump’s Miss Universe Organization and won! I always felt I was meant for something else and I viewed winning the title as a sign that it was time for me to pursue some unrealized dreams. I wasn’t quite sure what my dream was but I felt that I should be touching the lives of others in some type of way.
Soon after moving to LA, I accepted the position of project manager at the W.I.N. Project, a marketing and consulting company, and dabbled in the entertainment industry as a casting director, producer, model and actress. As a project manager, I had the opportunity to manage several global ventures, including the Turks and Caicos International Film Festival, but it was the matchmaking vocation that I found most rewarding. So when I found out there was a position available at The Millionaire’s Club I jumped at the opportunity to work with the one and only Patti Stanger. After an intense vetting process, I was chosen! I am the new Director of Recruiting at The Millionaire’s Club (still feels surreal to say out loud).
I have to be honest, working for Patti Stanger is not easy by a long shot. But nothing worthwhile in life is and I have learned that along the way. Patti Stanger is a force that you feel the moment she enters a room. It didn’t take long for me to realize that her hard no-nonsense approach is simply due to her passion for love, her empire and her legacy. As my grandmother used to tell me, “If it’s too hot in the kitchen, get out.” Well, I have sweated for over 6 months now at The Millionaire’s Club and I am not leaving the kitchen. I am a stronger woman from working with Patti and I know there is a method to her madness. She will only break you down so that you can be built back up an enhanced version of you.
Patti has brought me to tears but has also made me laugh so hard I cried! We have moments when we butt heads but we also have special moments when we know what each other is thinking without saying a word. Perhaps it’s the Gemini and Aquarius connection we share… I love when I see a glimmer of approval in her eyes when I explain why two astrological signs are incompatible; or the smirk she makes when I beat her to the critique of a dater; or how proudly she smiles when I have succeeded in matching a couple made in heaven.
I am well aware that I would not have this opportunity if it had not been for Patti’s sacrifices and exceptional drive to create this empire that I am now blessed to be apart of. While working for Patti, I have witnessed magical matchmaking that has brought me to tears, touching personal client breakthroughs and even proposals! I am overjoyed to be apart of The Millionaire’s Club and look forward to what the future holds. THANK YOU PATTI STANGER!
