Southpaw was born from inspiration. Over the years, I’ve been shaped by moments and people who’ve left their mark, from simple stories in my own life to extraordinary women who paved the way before me. I’ve shared these before, but two examples in particular continue to guide me and the work we do at Southpaw. 

One might sound unusual: it’s about my dad getting his first snowblower at age 75. The plan was simple. My parents bought the snowblower, Thomas next door (the engineer) handled assembly and maintenance, and Walt across the street (with the big garage) provided storage. The snowblower was shared, with the younger neighbors clearing my parents’ walkways when needed. That story stuck with me because it showed that progress happens faster when people bring their strengths together…and that caring for others is always the right way to operate. 

The second source of inspiration is the women in my family who made their way despite incredible odds. My great-grandmother labored in factories. My grandmother crossed the country with children in tow and somehow bought her own home. My mother went to college and became a computer programmer when few women did. I carry on their determination and often think they might not have even imagined all that I’ve been able to do. 

Together, these stories shaped both me and, in turn, Southpaw. They remind us that collaboration, resilience, and the ability to see differently are what truly moves us — and our clients — forward. 

Southpaw Today: Who We Are, What We Believe, Where We Go 

A lot has changed since the early days of Southpaw, but the “why” remains the same. 

Who We Are: 

Today, Southpaw is more than me. We are a team of thinkers, strategists, storytellers, and researchers, each bringing unique strengths to the whole. 

We are deeply proud of our commitment to delivering inclusive research that reflects lived experiences in the real world, not just what’s easy to measure. Our certifications as a woman-owned and disability-owned business are not badges but serve as reminders of our responsibility to others. And ultimately, we are honored that clients trust us to wrestle with complexity, translate human insight into strategy, and do so with empathy and integrity. 

What We Believe: 

Divergent thinking and smart data drive better decisions. In a world flooded with information, the true advantage is asking the questions others overlook, connecting dots others can’t see, and translating complexity into clarity that moves organizations forward. 

Listening is the best way to hear. Our respondents are more than just rows in a dataset; they are real people with complex lives. We honor this by showing respect for their time, ideas, and experiences, and they reward us with unique insights. 

Collaboration creates strength. The snowblower story still holds: no one thrives in isolation. We co-create with clients, draw insight from communities, and build shared ownership into every process because lasting change comes from collective effort. 

Legacy is living. The women who came before me modeled resilience and courage. Their example fuels our commitment to shaping new stories that advance equity, inclusion, health, and justice where they’re needed most. 

Great work comes out of a great workplace. Southpaw is a company where employees are trusted and valued. We recognize that exceptional work arises from the shared trust and respect across our team. 

Where We Are in a Changing World: 

The world feels both fractured and full of possibility. In this moment, we choose to: 

• Help organizations and brands listen better across divides, perspectives, and lived differences to uncover truths that unite rather than divide. 

• Transform research into action, ensuring insight doesn’t just inform but drives meaningful outcomes. 

• Invest in capacity for nonprofits, women-led organizations, and movements, so insight strengthens those creating change for good. 

• Stay adaptive, continually learning and evolving as the world, and the people within it, change. 

• Foster trust in uncertain times, helping brands stay aligned with people’s values and beliefs when clarity feels elusive. 

My Thanks and an Invitation 

To my parents and extended family: Thank you for teaching me strength, resilience, and courage. 

To the Southpaw team: Thank you for bringing brilliance and heart to work each day. 

To our clients, collaborators, and dreamers: Thank you for trusting us as partners, not just vendors. 

This is not just a “look how far we’ve come” post but an invitation for the future. Let’s keep pushing boundaries, questioning norms, and designing futures grounded in humanity. The Southpaw story has always been about the power of people and what we can build together. I’m excited to see what lies ahead.