What is your favorite place in Washington?

Stehekin. It is amazing up there! The landscape is breathtaking and it is so nice to be able to disconnect for a while. I also love Mt. Rainier.

What is your idea of happiness?

Time with my family.

Who in history do you most admire?

John F. Kennedy.

What Washington CEO do you most admire?

Bill Gates. He is committed to developing an excellent education system here and has made global health a personal priority.

What accomplishment are you most proud of?

In my personal life, it is raising our two wonderful daughters with my husband, Mike. Professionally, it is working to improve the lives of Washington children.

What do you most fear?

International instability. Not only do we have to worry about wars, famine and genocide, but instability overseas affects our economy.

What personal trait would you rather not have?

While I can be intense when it is called for and a job needs to be done, I am equally as lighthearted and I enjoy free time with my family and joking with my staff.

What trait bothers you most in others?

I am bothered when people exhibit a lack of respect for different views, cultures and religions.

What is the most overrated virtue in an executive?

Toughness. While there are definitely times to be tough, there are as many, if not more, times to be compassionate with your workforce.

When do you find it necessary to lie?

I don't. I value directness, but not to the point of harshness.

What person - living today - do you most despise?

I dislike those who victimize innocent people - like Osama bin Laden.

What is the greatest love of your life?

Mike and my two wonderful daughters.

What talent would you most like to possess?

Play a musical instrument.

What is the greatest obstacle to Washington's future growth?

Our ability to be competitive in the global economy. Washingtonians need to have access to an education system that turns out a skilled, versatile workforce.

If you could come back as another person, who would it be?

Based on my faith, I have great admiration for Mother Teresa.

What is your most valued possession?

I don't really place too much value in possessions.

What attributes do you like in a man or woman?

Compassion and sensitivity to others.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

I loved Scout in To Kill a Mockingbird because she is feisty, open, honest and well intentioned. She believes we can overcome evil with sympathy and compassion.

Who is your favorite author?

Thomas Friedman.

What turns you off the most?

Dishonesty.

What is your motto?

Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.

If you could change one thing in Washington what would it be?

That all of our students would be prepared to succeed in the global economy. That they would be able to move on to the workforce or higher education.