An expert balance of career and home life is the secret to this finalist’s happiness.
Born: 1/21/63 Occupation: Marketing ConsultantChildren: son (11), daughter (8), daughter (2)Hometown: Bernardsville, New Jersey
Meet Maggie: "After graduation from Brown University (I studied design and economics), I began a career in advertising. In 1998, I left advertising and embarked on a career in consulting and opened my own practice. These days, I devote my time to my business, my love for tennis and skiing, and most important, my love for my family. I love to cook and usually serve up a delicious family meal four to five times a week.
"I admit that I may have been bitten by the 'acting/modeling bug' during my childhood years spent in California. However, this was not what encouraged me to enter the contest. In the end it was the fact that my husband affectionately told me that he thought I was better looking than all of the women in the magazine!"
Biggest Challenge: "I have always found that time has been my biggest challenge throughout life. I have so many interests and responsibilities and never seem to have enough time to participate in everything that I want to."
Inspiration: "I find a lot of inspiration in my ability to do innovative things in all aspects of life, but make it a point to always remain thoughtful and loving."
Special Skill: "My colleagues have always told me that I am an excellent manager. I work well with people and have always been able to be motivational in a business environment, as well as in the lives of my children. I like to think that I am a good mother, but you'll have to ask my kids, the experts, about that one."
Smartest Move: "I always believed that having children would change my life for the worse. As a young girl, I was taught that once a woman becomes pregnant, she will no longer be able to participate in the career and life that she had created. However, I believe that one of the smartest things that I have ever done was to have children. I learned that I was thrown off track after giving birth to my children, but discovered that it was all worth it because what's on the other side of that track is beautiful and wonderful."
Major Change Over 40: "Considering the fact that I just turned 40 this year, I have not experienced too much change. However, turning 40 has allowed me to reflect on the past, the period of my life when I was constantly evolving from a prime-time career woman to a prime-time mom. Since my birthday, I have definitely developed an unusual new sense of confidence."
Life Philosophy: "I am a firm believer that age is attitude. Nearly anything can be accomplished, if you have the right spirit."
