Q) Why did you want to be on the show, and why did you think you'd make a good competitor?
A) I wanted to be on The Apprentice because I have always admired Donald Trump's success and ability to constantly reinvent himself. My career in banking had recently become increasingly more difficult given the recession, and as a result my bank closed our offices. Instead of allowing myself to become a victim of our struggling economy, I wanted to take fate into my own hands. As one door closed at that time, another opened, as I saw the NBC announcement on Celebrity Apprentice sharing that the regular Apprentice was coming back. Timing can be so perfect at times and I knew I had to react. This was my opportunity to take control of my life and show Mr. Trump my talents and business abilities and get "HIRED."
Q) What was your reaction when you found out you'd been picked to be on the show? How did your friends and family react?
A) I was elated when I was informed that I had made it on the show. I felt a sense of excitement and newly found energy knowing I was going to be given the opportunity to showcase myself to my business idol. I knew I could be a unique and successful contestant with and the ability to accomplish my goals as I have throughout other parts of my life. My friends and family were just as excited as I was and we were all confident I was the best person for this competition given my fierce competitive nature and raw talent.
Q) With cameras rolling, how does it feel to know you're under America's microscope? What surprised you about the experience?
A) At first it was awkward knowing the cameras were following my every move and I initially worried about wardrobe malfunctions and bad hair days. Let's be honest here, no one wants to be on national TV with a popped-open blouse or popcorn between one's teeth. Unfortunately, I had this exact experience, which verified to me how competitive this show is. At one point, I was speaking with Ivanka with the cameras close up on me, and a fellow contestant later told me I had an almond between my teeth as I spoke with her. Doggy dog! Thanks for the heads up fellow contestant.
I was very surprised about how involved the production really is with the show and how many resources and time it takes to create a successful TV show. It's not as simple as just rolling a camera. There were hundreds of employees on this show, and every shot was extremely well organized. We had a great team producing this show.
Q) What about the competition was harder than you might have expected?
A) The hardest part of this competition was the frustration in dealing with the other contestants lying and cheating! I was surprised to see some were willing to lie, cheat and steal to win. I consider myself as fierce and competitive as them, but I'm confident enough that I don't have to lie and cheat to win. I instead choose to win simply by kicking butt. Some contestants were fake and others were surprisingly not very talented. I expected a higher caliber of business abilities.
Q) Do you have a favorite past winner or contestant from either the original Apprentice, or from Celebrity Apprentice?
A) I love both Brett Michaels and Joan Rivers. Each have their own unique styles and I respect and admire both. I consider Joan Rivers to be a role model for me, given that I aspire to work in media. Joan is a true entertainer. I thought Brett was a creative force that outperformed his competition, and I enjoyed watching an otherwise underdog step up, overcome adversity, and rise above all others.
Q) Beyond The Apprentice, what's your dream job? Where do you see yourself in 10 years?
A) My dream job is to work in TV as a host, anchor and commentator. I want to shed light and opinion on topics ranging from women in business, politics, current affairs and the media. I have a unique background having lived with a drug-addicted father and being orphaned by AIDS. I was able to overcome my childhood challenges and gain a passion for life and success. I was determined to fund my own happiness and success, and now I want to share my passion and opinions with the world. I know I can be a role model for young women. I envision myself as a unique combination of Barbara Walters, Deborah Norville, Larry King and Chelsea Lately, bringing forth past experiences and perspectives to touch others as we discuss controversial and impactful topics with honesty, sarcasm, humor and empathy.
