Job List

At dinner, we were discussing Gotham—not shocking—and Fred said you should blog about every job you have had. Undoubtedly, the dots connect, and every experience is worthy in its own right. There were some side hustles here, like raising three kids, cooking most nights of the week, a couple of random design projects, and the daily “to do” list but here goes.

1964 – Sold Puppies and lemonade in the front yard – one afternoon

1968 – Put on a musical concert for the neighborhood and charged everyone money to attend. I attempted a second event, but my musical talents were not as good as my production capabilities.

1970 – Started a cinnamon toothpick business. Did a bit of AB testing with lemon sticks, quickly discounted them. The entire business had a profitable run.

1977 -1979 I got my driver’s license and life changed. I ran the office for the Montgomery County Recreation Department, where I opened envelopes from countless parents with a check and application form for each child’s afternoon sports activity for 13 elementary schools and seven junior high schools. I also coached soccer, basketball, flag football, and softball for elementary school kids. Taught guitar lessons for a few kids in the evening – referred from my guitar teacher. Worked at a plant store the free nights. In the summer, I continued with these jobs and was the archery counselor at Valley Mill Day Camp. Unclear when I did homework.

Fall of 1979 – Dishwasher at my college’s cafeteria – lasted only briefly. I did random odd jobs to make cash, like retyping all the recipes for a Soup Restaurant.

Summer 1980 – Worked as a flier at Neiman Marcus in DC

Spring and Summer 1981- Worked at a kiosk in Faneuil Hall during the school year. I also got a Government security clearance and worked for Bolt Beranek and Newman, where I organized documents and signed them out to engineers working on “secret” Government contracts. I was too fast for them, and the workload was too light for summer, so I shifted gears and went to work for Raytheon mowing the lawns out on Route 128. Memorable experience. Worked at Bloomingdales in the evening 3 nights a week.

Summer 1982 – Worked in local retail

Fall 1982 – I interned at JW Robinsons as an assistant buyer in the men’s department and lived in Los Angeles.

Fall 1983 – I began the Macy’s executive training program and had four jobs over five years. Cosmetics Manager at Kings Plaza, Assistant Buyer Young Collector, Assistant Store Manager New Rochelle, Buyer Large Size Women Clothing

1987 – Sales Youngstuff, Large Size Women Clothing

1988 – Sales/Manufacturing Private Label

1990 – 1993—Kenneth Mitchell, number 2. I built the business from just large sizes to missy, petite, and large sizes, eventually hiring a sales and design team. I grew the company from $1.5m to $12 m.

1993 – Short-lived garment sales job that convinced me to leave the industry – became a full time Mom

1996 – 1999 – I ran a soccer division, hawked garments, and worked for a medical transportation company. Left all of this and became the number two at Silicon Alley Reporter, overseeing sales and events. Chaired MOUSE.

2000 – I made my first investment, sat on the board of UPOC, and joined the executive board of the kid’s school.

2003 – Launched Gotham Gal and obviously continue to blog today

2007 – Started angel investing – eventually invested in 150 companies, sitting on multiple boards with a bend towards women entrepreneurs, and black and brown founders.

2008- Became the first Chair of Hot Bread Kitchen and stayed for five years

2010 – 2016 Launched the annual Women’s Entrepreneur Festival that ran for six years—started writing weekly about Women Entrepreneurs, eventually moving to the same concept but in a podcast. I have talked to over 400 women about their careers.

2012 (ish) – I joined the board of the High Line and continue to serve on that board today.

2016 (ish)—I became the first Chair of Path Forward, an organization that helps people (mostly women) who have been home for an extended period as either parents or caregivers to their parents reenter the workforce. I stayed for two years.

2018 (ish) – Began building Frame Home and Frame Work – sustainable living and working spaces

2020 (ish) – Joined the Board of the Public Housing Community Fund, which I now Chair

2020 (ish) – Co-founded Gotham Gives, a public charity that invests in initiatives that reflect the rich diversity of New York City and improve systemic equity by creating social, educational, and cultural opportunities for all New Yorkers.

2021 – Begin to work on Gotham. In spring 2023, we opened the first store. I am the CEO and Founder.

I am sure I missed a few things, but it is fun to revisit all of this.