alison is on a mission to support working mothers who, like her, want to fulfill their personal and professional ambitions. 

more about me

I’m an executive, thought leader, and soon-to-be author who helps working moms thrive

(and not in a theoretical, in a perfect world kind of way, but in the real, messy, there’s yogurt on my blazer world that we actually all live in).

my professional background

my career started in the nonprofit trenches with Teach For America before I jumped into the deep end of corporate America as a management consultant with Accenture and later McKinsey & Company.

I earned elite hotel status, far too many airline miles, and then, an MBA from Harvard Business School — all before stepping into senior leadership at a top ten global financial institution, where I have held several high impact roles and earned recognition including Crain’s 40 Under 40 and the Grand Rapids Chamber Athena Leadership Award.

I also serve on the executive boards of Frederik Meijer Gardens & Sculpture Park and Junior Achievement of the Michigan Great Lakes because I believe leadership is about impact inside and outside the office.

your new working mom friend

how I walk the talk

here’s the part of my story that really shapes my work.

starting in November 2019, I spent 41 of the next 60 months pregnant — learning to balance a demanding corporate role and a rapidly growing family.

today, I’m the mother of four kids under five (no multiples), plus one mini bernedoodle puppy named Lou, who joined us when things started feeling a little too predictable.

I’m living the juggle of working motherhood as it happens. I’ve built teams, run businesses, and delivered results while navigating morning sickness, daycare calls, pumping schedules, sleepless months, and the “how is it only Tuesday?” feeling every working mom knows. I haven’t slowed down; I’ve simply gotten smarter and more willing to laugh at the chaos along the way.

that lived experience is exactly why I show up as @themakingitworkmom, providing no‑nonsense, laugh‑so‑you-don’t-cry tips and tricks for all things working motherhood.

I want women to know you don’t have to choose between being exceptional at work and deeply present at home. You can be ambitious and exhausted. professionally fulfilled and overwhelmed. a leader and a mom who sometimes hides in the pantry for 90 seconds of silence.

I live in Grand Rapids, Michigan with my husband, our four tiny humans, and Lou — making it work, one beautifully chaotic day at a time.

ways to work with alison

some other things you should know about me

  • my favorite hat I wear these days:

    a. my corporate job

    b. panelist / moderator / speaker

    c. author

    d. mama to four tiny maniacs and a puppy

  • a product that has truly saved my working mom life:

    a. Amazon Subscribe & Save

    b. Kirkland brand baby wipes

    c. Hatch sound machines (x4)

    d. dry shampoo

  • the part of early motherhood I secretly loved most:

    a. being nap trapped

    b. the built-in excuse to cancel all plans

    c. middle-of-the-night snuggles (not so much the wakeups)

    d. the “I don’t know what I’m doing, but I love this kid” feeling

  • the kids love it when I: cuddle with them on the couch before bed

  • the kids’ snack I steal without shame:

    a. Pirate’s Booty

    b. Annie’s Cheddar Bunnies

    c. Thrive Market applesauce pouches

    d. Clif Z Bars

  • a baby product I’ve used with all four kids:

    a. velcro swaddles

    b. Hatch sound machines

    c. Tubby Todd Bath Co. All Over Ointment

    d. Uppababy Vista Stroller

  • my go-to office outfit for making it work:

    a. business pantsuit

    b. all things Tuckernuck

    c. capsule wardrobe

    d. anything black (it makes matching easier)

  • when one of the kids melts down, my go-to move is: a hug, deep breaths, or space (for us both)

  • at school events I’m the mom who:

    a. bakes something from scratch (rare, but it happens)

    b. buys the mix (it counts as homemade that way, I think)

    c. shows up with beautifully arranged store bought napkins

    d. brings a smile and the vibes

  • my go-to caffeine of choice:

    a. iced coffee with oat milk

    b. a crispy fountain Diet Coke — looking at you, McDonalds

    c. an intravenous drip of black coffee

    d. no coffee, I’m a walking miracle