How did you get interested in bodybuilding/working out?

Current Residence. Baltimore,MD Growing up as a child, I was always physically competitive especially with the boys who thought I was at a disadvantage because I was girl. I began doing push ups and sit ups at home at age 11.This was the only way I felt I could hang with the boys, by becoming just as strong and athletic as them. In my later years, I ran 4 years of track in Highschool and 2 years in college. In highschool I took on the nick name "Diesel" because of my little muscular physique. My strong physique always gave a sense of inner strength and respect by others, and in this I took pride. In college, my strength and conditioning coach often spoke of me looking into fitness competitions.At the time I knew absolutely nothing about such a sport so I never gave it any thought. But after graduating from College and retiring my running shoes, that competitive fire was still burning. I knew I would soon have to take up another sport or hobby. Remembering the mentioning of fitness competitions, I went online to do some research on what the sport entails and the rest is history:-)

How was your first show like, any interesting experiences?

My other experience was how badly my skin broke out from spraying myself with Pam. After all the anxiety and hype wore off from competing, I realized how not so good of an idea it was to spray myself down with cooking chemicals...lol

What do you like and dislike about competing?

I dislike the inconsistency. Different judges want different looks, which makes it difficult to always know what the judges will be looking for. I feel there should be one set of specific but universal guildlines on judging. The demands of the woman's bodybuilding image is forever revolving. Example, how can you tell a woman bodybuilder that she is "too" hard, when being "hard" is what contributes to her condition. It can be very confusing and contradicting at times. What I do like about competing is the day of the competition. You wake up and say,"it was hard, but I made it through" and "now it's showtime". It's all about having fun. It's your time to shine and show off all your hard work, dedication and passion.

What are your future goals in this industry?

I would love to do some sports and fitness modeling in the near future. I would also like to find sponsors in which I can help promote their products, as well as them helping me in preparing for competitions.

What do you see yourself doing in 10 years?

10 years is way to far to even have an idea of what I will be doing or where I will be in my life. Do I think I'll still be competiting, probably not but I'm quite sure I'll still be throwing around heavy weight in the gym.

Please tell us something special about you that most people wouldn't know?

Many people don't know this but I prefer the title 'Spiritual Bodybuilder' verses 'Natural Bodybuilder'. My body can only take me so far naturally but it is through God's grace and good works that I am able to take my body to a level that surpasses it's natural cap.

Any additional notes? People you would like to thank?

I would like to thank my really good friend Dave Christiansen, also my training partner. He taught me everything I know about working out and eating for size. Infact, he help to transform my phsique from figure to bodybuilding. A positive reenforcement in my life.I definitely couldn't have done it without him. I like to thank Deniz Odar.She took me under her wing in preparation for my both of my shows in 2006. One in which I won over all and the other I placed second. She coached me through everything from dieting to posing. She's great in what she does. I also like to Aleksey Kash. He has also been that encouragement and dose of confidence that one always need,especially when dieting and it seems all your hard work is disappearing. He is indeed one of the most complimentary people I've ever met. His kind words as well as support is greatly appreciated.

Competition History:
2006: NPC-Tournaments of the Champions -Lightweight(Overall Champion)
2006: NPC-Bodyrock-Lightweight (2nd place)
2005: USBF-Silver Cup-Heavy weight (1st place)
2003: USBF-Baltimore Pro-Am Naturals-Figure (3rd place)
2003: USBF- Silver Cup- Short Figure (1st place)
2002: NPC-Bev Francis- Figure (3rd place)