Capitol File Magazine

Wear it 9 to 5: Office-Appropriate Scents

Mon, 21 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

FRAGRANCES, CLOCKWISE FROM TOP: Annick Goutal Nuit Étoilée, Roberto Cavalli Roberto Cavalli, Ralph Lauren Big Pony Collection #1, Guerlain Lys Soleia Aqua Allegoria, Penhaligon’s Bluebell Eau De Toilette, David Yurman Eau De Parfum, Chanel Coco De Chanel, Jo Malone Plum Blossom, Balenciaga L’essence, Prada Infusion D’iris Eau De Parfum Absolue, Burberry Brit, Dior J’adore Dior.

The idea of employees being stopped at the door, or even being fired, because they doused themselves in J’Adore may seem far-fetched. But in January, perfume prohibition took on a new momentum when New Hampshire State Representative Michele Peckham sponsored a bill to bar state employees from wearing scent to work. “It came about because I received a letter from a constituent who had a seizure she believed was caused by the fragrance worn by a state employee,” says Peckham. “I did a lot of research and I thought it was a valid point.”

No action has been enforced just yet—the bill was killed in committee. But scent is no stranger to controversy. Back in the ’80s, Giorgio Beverly Hills was famously banned in several LA restaurants for being as obnoxious as the sizes of the shoulder pads worn by the clientele. “The trail for Giorgio not only went ahead of you,” says perfumer Stephen J. Nilsen, “it opened the door for you.”

But with perfume a $3.1-billion-a-year industry in the US, the fact remains that we are wedded to our scents. So should consumers be told when and where they are allowed to wear them? “I think the idea of banning perfume is silly—soon people won’t even be allowed to wear perfume to the theater,” laments French perfumer Francis Kurkdjian, creator of F by Ferragamo and Le Male for Jean-Paul Gaultier. “If you have that one person who is allergic, I don’t see why you can’t find an agreement within the office.”

Of course, no one should be asked to compromise his or her health in order to earn a living. But consider this: Research has shown that some fragrances can significantly enhance performance in the workplace. Floral and jasmine scents increase reaction times by nearly 20 percent; peppermint amps up working memory; and finding out the opposition’s choice of ice cream flavor could help you steer them in your favor (but more on that later).

Bronze place card holders ($175 each), Brass Ruler ($25), Classic Calendar refill ($45), and Strong Stationery ($175), all from Mrs. John L. Strong Fine Stationery, 212-838-3775. Gold pen, stylist’s own. FRAGRANCES FROM LEFT: Jimmy Choo Eau De Toilette, Guerlain Vetiver, Estée Lauder Sensuous Nude, Maison Francis Kurkdjian Oud, Burberry Body Mist.

“Aromas such as nutmeg, peppermint, and green apple reduce the blood pressure elevation associated with anxiety,” explains Dr. Alan Hirsch of the Smell and Taste Treatment Foundation in Chicago, adding that eucalyptus and menthol can have a harmonizing effect. “We found that these smells enhance empathy, and the result is decreased aggression in an office.” Chances are, in a professional setting you will want to smell more sophisticated than apples and menthol, but by choosing a fragrance that incorporates these keynotes, you reap the olfactory rewards while smelling work-appropriate, too.

And those about to broker a big deal, take note: In the thrust of negotiation, research has shown that fragrance can make others more compliant. In a 2006 study, Dr. Hirsch identified that a subject’s favorite ice cream flavor denotes a specific personality type, and they react positively to its aroma. A vanilla ice cream lover, for example, should react well to a small splash of Lancôme Trésor Midnight Rose, which contains the note. Sound halfbaked? Perfumer Stephen Nilsen assures: “It may not put you in their favor, but it could well prevent you from being rejected.” Those toiling away in shoebox-size offices should also remember that the scent of green apple and cucumber make people perceive spaces to be larger. In other words, a splash of DKNY Be Delicious could compensate for cramped quarters.

Given the potential benefits, scent at work might be better off encouraged rather than outlawed. The key is either to choose a very lightweight scent, along the lines of Estée Lauder’s White Linen, or, if your signature perfume is particularly potent—an Opium or a Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb—restrain yourself and use it sparingly.

Perhaps Michele Peckham’s own crusade sprung from a childhood of overspraying. “The funny thing is that my father always wore a ton of cologne,” she admits. “There are some people who go crazy overboard.”

Jason Layden, a Tom Ford fragrance expert at the Neiman Marcus in Mazza Gallerie, says it’s all about restraint. “If you’ve worn the same scent for years, your body will ‘nose-out,’ making that fragrance far less noticeable to the wearer. So err on the side of caution when it comes to your signature scent, or simply switch around—Lavender Palm and Neroli Portofino would be my top picks—to prevent fragrance fatigue and the temptation to douse yourself in scent.”

Designer Carolina Herrera on DC Style & More

Fri, 18 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Earlier this month, the Alzheimer’s Drug Discovery Foundation hosted its Second Annual Great Ladies Luncheon and Fashion Show at The Ritz-Carlton. This year, former first lady Nancy Reagan was honored with the “Great Ladies” award, and fashion designer Carolina Herrera accepted the award on Mrs. Reagan’s behalf. She also showcased her fall/winter 2012 runway collection at the luncheon, and was on hand to host (with Saks Fifth Avenue) an on-site boutique.

Capitol File caught up with Herrera the day after the ceremony at Saks Fifth Avenue in Chevy Chase, where she met excited local customers at a crowded trunk show.

How is the Carolina Herrera customer in Washington different from your other customers in the US?
CAROLINA HERRERA: I think the Washington woman is very similar to all the women I design for—chic, sophisticated, and modern. It is important to remember, though, that a woman should not only dress based on the city and climate she lives in, but also [based] on her personality and style.

What trends will carry through from spring into fall?
CH: I try not to follow trends. Seeing everyone in the same thing from season to season would not be amusing, and fashion needs to be fun. We make it fun by incorporating bold colors in every season and making the evening pieces glamorous with volume and movement.

What five essential pieces should a well-dressed woman have in her wardrobe?
CH: A crisp white shirt, a pencil skirt, a little black dress, a wonderful pair of high-heel shoes, and a full-length mirror—the most important accessory of them all!

When you were growing up in Venezuela, who were your style icons?
CH: Growing up, I only really cared about my dogs, horses, and tennis.

Whose style do you admire now?
CH: Today, I admire Lady Gaga. She is consistent with her style and knows how to wear it.

Kalorama Home Gets a Modern Makeover

Thu, 17 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Richard Miller recalls meeting the neighbors for the first time after moving into a Federal-style townhouse in the embassy-lined neighborhood of Kalorama. "My wife, Ellen, and I were standing outside on the stoop, and the garage door opened next door and a Rolls Royce came out, and inside was a second Rolls Royce. Across the street, the garage opened, and a fancy Mercedes came out. We thought, My god, who lives here? This was 1975, before prices were so out of control," says the retired educator and psychologist.

Exemplary members of the nonprofit world and practitioners of the afterhours mantra "family, food, and friends," the couple took a giant leap of faith that year, moving from a tiny, 11-foot-wide Georgetown two-bedroom townhouse into a 3,500-square-foot, four-bedroom Federal-style townhouse with a study and a sunroom.

"It was in bad repair," recalls Ellen, a high-profile lobbyist who in 2006 founded the Sunlight Foundation, a watchdog group that harnesses the power of the Internet to monitor and disseminate information about government spending. "We had plasterers in the house for six weeks just putting plaster on the walls." An architect friend was kinder: He told Richard that trying to warm up this formal home would be a lifelong project—but, in the end, a rewarding one. "You will be wrestling with this house your whole life to make it yours," said the friend. "But it's solid, it's substantial, and it's all you'll ever need."

Fast-forward to 2012, and the home, having sheltered Richard, Ellen, and daughters Annie and Elizabeth—not to mention guests from all over the globe and, most recently, frequent visits from grandchildren Eli, three, and Abigail, one—has indeed undergone a startling transformation. The most recent redevelopments: the kitchen, the sun porch, and the library. This new heart of the home was envisioned by Vincent Sagart of Poliform and Sagartstudio, and built by contractor Richard Kroos of Kroos Construction, who replaced the space's homey Southwestern décor with a modern look. Stone tiles, Spessart oak cabinetry, wooden stools, Silestone quartz counters, Nakashima chairs, and Kreon light fixtures come together to create a style that Sagart describes as "streamlined, peaceful, and organized." "This was not about redesigning someone's lifestyle," he says, "but about expanding, observing, adjusting to them."

"We loved our old kitchen. It was beautiful and functioned perfectly—but fingerprints wouldn't come off the redwood cabinets, and there were chips in the floor tile," says Ellen. Inspired by the family's George Nakashima dining table, Sagart suggested an Asian minimalist look to bring the home up to the present and into the future. The new space, in Ellen's words, is "all about the appliances." Their Wolf cooktop combination has a top-of-the-line wok burner for the couple's frequent forays into Chinese cooking, an induction burner ("It gets the kids' pasta cooking immediately," says Richard), and an indoor grill for steaks. "I'm obsessed with our dishwasher [by Miele]," says Ellen. "The faucet [Tara Profi by Dornbracht] is a big statement piece and works brilliantly for cleaning out the sink." And a visitor would never guess from the super-sleek appearance of the kitchen that it also houses a washer and dryer.

"We wanted the home, especially the kitchen, to work for both kids and adults," says Richard. "We needed to have a counter with stools and a stove and a table, but also plenty of room for kids to roll around on the floor." The sunroom, formerly a TV room and a playroom for their children, now serves as an adult reading area—though it is still a playroom for the couple's grandchildren.

One quirky feature of the home was a wine cellar, reachable through a floor plank in the kitchen. Sealing this entrance and replacing it with integrated Sub-Zero wine storage allows more space for counters and chairs, and room for the grandkids to play—even if it also poses a slight inconvenience. "It is now only accessible by going through the basement," Richard says.

Q&A With: Author Sarah Pekkanen

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Sarah Pekkanen, the Bethesda-based former journalist and international bestselling novelist, gives Capitol File the scoop on her new book, chick-lit stigmas, and the constant influence of the Washington area on her writing.

Tell us about what inspired you to pen your new novel, These Girls.

SARAH PEKKANEN: I wanted to write a novel celebrating the rich, nurturing bonds of female friendships for a few reasons. First, it seemed like the natural progression in my books, since all of my novels focus on the important relationships in a woman's life. My first book, The Opposite of Me, is about sisterhood. My second, Skipping a Beat, is about marriage.

These Girls, my third novel, is about female friendships. And because friends are so important to me personally, I was eager to plunge into the creation of three very different women who become roommates in New York City and form an incredible friendship. The current novel is told from alternating points of view of my main characters—Cate, Renee, and Abby—and each of these women is carrying a painful secret. They end up finding the emotional lifelines they need in each other.

How do you develop the characters for your books?

SP: I don't base characters on people I know—even though I can't tell you how many times people have suspected that they're the inspiration for a character! But everything I write is inspired by reality. All of my observations and thoughts and ideas are filtered through a kaleidoscope then sprinkled onto the page.

I also did some interesting research for These Girls, which is set in the world of glossy magazines. I went to New York and had a staff writer for a big magazine sneak me into headquarters early one morning. I got a great behind-the-scenes tour and some juicy gossip, which appears in a slightly different form in my novel.

How do you balance your characters' lighter moments with more serious topics in your novels?

SP: I love books that give readers insight into their own lives and relationships, but not in a heavy-handed way. I also love books that make me laugh. So writing books that delve into painful topics without feeling heavy or depressing is my way of trying to blend what I like most to read into my own novels. I also shy away from endings where everything is neatly wrapped up. I like uplifting endings, but not ones that are unrealistically perfect, because life never follows that script, as much as we'd like for it to.

You grew up in Bethesda and have spent most of your life in or around the District. How does Washington fit into your writing?

SP: I always work cameos of my hometown in my novels! My first two books were set in the D.C. area and Bethesda, and even though These Girls unfolds in New York, one of my characters has been living and working in Silver Spring, and we see her in that setting quite a bit. It's fun to go to a park or restaurant and think, "How can I work this into my next book?"

Where do you write? Do you have any rituals to get you into the right head space to create your characters and their dialogue?

SP: I wish I had some elegant, impressive story about my glamorous writing life, but the truth is, I have three young boys and I write on the fly. I've piled up pages in the orthodontist's waiting room, in the carpool pick-up line, at the movie Kung Fu Panda—anywhere and everywhere I can find a little pocket of time.

But now that I'm on a book-a-year schedule, I find that getting in a few big chunks of writing time really helps me meet my deadlines. Luckily I speak at book festivals every couple of months, so train or plane trips, combined with a night in a hotel room, allow me not only an uninterrupted night's sleep, but the chance to wake up early, order a pot of coffee, and write for hours. It's blissful!

You've been compared to authors such as Jennifer Weiner and Emily Giffin—that's a tall order in the world of women writers! How do your novels differ from what could be described as classic "chick lit?"

SP: Chick lit sometimes gets a bad rap, because people seem to think it centers around shoe shopping and dating. But writers like Jennifer and Emily delve into much more serious topics, and I aim to do the same in my novels. I don't have any problem with the label chick lit, unless it's used in a derogatory way. Most of the women I know are navigating the same issues—relationships and work—and my books center around those topics.

What’s next for you?

SP: I'm thrilled that I recently signed a new, three-book deal with my publisher, Atria Books, which is an imprint of Simon & Schuster. So I'll have a new novel coming out every spring through 2015! My novels are now being published in a total of 10 countries, which is also really exciting (the latest country to buy translation rights is Russia).

Raw Talent: Fujimar Fuses Japanese & South American Fare

Tue, 15 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Fujimar has become the District's hot spot of record for K Street power players and foodies. Located above Lima Lounge, the restaurant and lounge offers a palate-pleasing selection of Japanese- and South American–inspired dishes; think grilled calamari, sweet and sour spicy shrimp, and beef empanadas. While at first blush an odd marriage, this fusion is a culinary interpretation of the arrival of Asian immigrants in Latin America, and the subsequent melding of these cuisines. The sushi and ceviche bar, helmed by chef Khan Enkhbaatar Gayabazar, holds the promise of superb delicacies like the Tasmanian king salmon.

Power bartenders Ari and Micah Wilder lend their wit and cocktail knowledge to the beverage list, which boasts infusions of locally sourced and seasonal ingredients, in addition to a flourishing sake menu and artisan wine imports. After a long-awaited renovation, the space now accommodates 160 guests with sleek white tables and leather couches. We were particularly impressed by the restaurant and lounge's new décor, designed and executed by architect Ali Reza Honarkar of Division1 and inspired by Fujimar's core muse—sushi. "The choice of raw materials such as Viroc [recycled cement and wood particles] and raw steel really represents the ingredients," Honarkar says. 1401 K St. NW, 202-789-2800

Ivory Watches Are On-Trend for DC Women

Mon, 14 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

For women navigating the corridors of power, curating a watch collection that will both please the wearer and garner attention is essential. This year's hottest color is ivory, and a host of important names in manufacture d'horlogerie are creating combinations of cream and rose gold that speak louder than words for the stalwart woman—especially if she's in a room full of men.

Several attributes constitute a feminine "power watch." Chief among these are classic styling with a feminine twist, handcrafted quality, and a mechanical movement—a watch with substance at its core. The mechanical movement conveys confidence; those who know watches well are sure to be impressed. If a mechanical watch is not your style, fear not: Many iconic brands offer the convenience of a quartz movement as well.

From Jaeger-LeCoultre, the famed Reverso was first created in the early '30s for polo players who didn't want their timepieces to be destroyed in a rugged polo game. The iconic piece swivels in its case, offering two sides. This Grande Reverso Lady Ultra Thin (RIGHT: $8,000; Tiny Jewel Box, 1147 Connecticut Ave. NW, 202-393-2747) houses a quartz Jaeger-LeCoultre Caliber 657 and is crafted in 18k pink gold and stainless steel. One face features the dial with hours and minutes, and the reverse face is a solid metal plate that can be personalized with engraving. The watch can be worn with either side showing.

The alluring Audemars Piguet mechanical wonder is the Ladies' Millenary (LEFT: $48,100; Lenkersdorfer Fine Jewelers, Tysons Corner Center, 703-506-6712). Crafted in 18k pink gold and accented with 112 brilliant-cut diamonds weighing 1.05 carats, the watch houses a self-winding manufacture caliber 3123/3908 mechanical movement. The stunning mother-of-pearl dial offers hours, minutes, center seconds, moon-phase readout, power-reserve indication, and date function.

And from Vacheron Constantin, this asymmetrical beauty is part of the 1972 collection inspired by original designs that earned the Diplome du Prestige de la France award. The elegant 18k rose-gold 1972 watch (MIDDLE: $13,600; Radcliffe Jewelers, Towson Town Center, 410-321-6590) is one of the most identifiable fine Swiss timepieces. It houses a Swiss quartz caliber 1202, offers hours and minutes on a white dial with rose-gold roman numerals and markers, and is finished with a white genuine alligator strap.

More Than an Act for Married Folger Leads

Thu, 10 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Visit the Folger Theatre's production of Shakespeare's Taming of the Shrew this spring, and you will find that art indeed imitates life. Leads Cody Nickell and Kate Eastwood Norris, both popular actors in DC who also happen to be married, portray Shakespeare's battling lovers Kate and Petruchio, eventually united in wedlock. Norris says there's even more to the casting than meets the eye.

"In a sense, I was tamed when I met Cody," she says. "I never wanted to do the things that girls have to do, but with him, I lost all my anger. He quiets me, and I enliven him."

Director Aaron Posner, who attended their wedding (planned during a production of Macbeth), has cast them in numerous productions. He had Nickell and Norris in mind from the outset because he deems them excellent actors, but he was also interested in how their relationship would inform their roles. Nickell and Norris first met—and first worked with Posner—in the summer of 2006 at Shakespeare Santa Cruz, where they played Rosalind and Orlando in As You Like It.

"Sometimes in the process of casting, you accidentally get it more right than you meant to," he laughs. "We want to see why and how the characters connect, but unbeknownst to me at the time, other things were happening."

Nickell is dark-haired and gentle, Norris blonde and all high-strung energy. But their story is strikingly similar to that of Kate and Petruchio. "They blaze their own trail; that's what Kate and I do," Nickell describes. "We were pretty clear in who we were." The couple admits this is not easy. The more successful they are as actors, the more time they spend apart. Nickell recalls a 46-hour New Year's break when he traveled across the country to spend 29 of them with Norris—hence the appeal of Folger's Shrew, which offers around-the-clock togetherness. While they are looking forward to spending springtime in DC canoeing on the Potomac and seeing friends and family (Norris's parents live in Northern Virginia), they will have two rooms in the Folger's actor housing for those moments when they need some time alone.

The two agree that Kate and Petruchio's first encounter is a favorite scene, along with the memorable "sun and moon" scene, when the fictional couple discovers they can be a team. "they can make the rules; that's what happened with kate and me," he says. "Kate and Petruchio finally look at each other. The idea that love and gender roles are a certain thing is shattered in this moment, and it opens up the world for them." Taming of the Shrew will run may 1 to June 10 at the Folger Theatre, 201 E. Capitol St. SE, 202-544-7077

Signature Drinks of Five DC Power Players

Wed, 09 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

FROM LEFT: Wide jigsaw buckle lizard bracelets, Leighlana ($110 each). Country martini glass, William Yeoward ($50). Bloomingdale's, Tysons Corner Center, 703-556-4600. Long drink glass, Biggs ($3.95). Crate & Barrel, The Market Common, Alexandria, 703-890-2300. Essence cocktail bowls, Iittala (set of two, $50). Bloomingdale's, SEE ABOVE. Bentley crystal DOF, Ralph Lauren Home ($120). Ralph Lauren, 888-475-7674. Alfieri highball glasses, Luigi Bormioli ($5.19). Bloomingdale's, The Shops at Wisconsin Place, Chevy Chase, 240-744-3700.

A cocktail can say a lot about the person ordering it. More than a watch or a pair of shoes, a signature drink can reveal glimmers of one's true identity: Some are effervescent and classic; some are smooth and straightforward; others are strong and bold. Here five notables from different walks of Washington life weigh in on their potion of preference—and we can attest that they that match their personalities quite perfectly.

THE STYLE MAVEN
Gretchen Hitchner: Owner, Ginger Boutique

"I love sitting on the Redwood (7121 Bethesda Ln., Bethesda, 301-656-5515) patio in the early summer and having a cocktail with a hint of ginger, naturally!"

SALUTE THE SUN
1 1⁄2 oz. Boyd and Blair vodka
3⁄4 oz. Bénédictine
1⁄4 oz. Domaine de Canton ginger liqueur
1⁄2 oz. lemon juice
Dash of angostura bitters

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake, and strain into a martini glass.

THE HOST WITH THE MOST
Ed Schultz: Host, The Ed Show on MSNBC

"I always hit up Cafe Milano (3251 Prospect St. NW, 202-333-6183) for the perfect gin and tonic after my show. The restaurant serves the perfect gin and tonic: lots of lime and ice, in a highball glass. I'm notorious for sending the drink back if it is not served in a highball glass, the way it should be."

GIN & TONIC
2 oz. Tanqueray gin
5 oz. tonic water
1 lime wedge (or, in Schultz's case, "lots of lime")

THE HEAD PROPRIETOR
Jeff Black: Restaurateur & owner, Black Restaurant Group

"I love the Maple Derby at Black Jack (1612 14th St. NW, 202-986-5225) because it mimics my style of cooking—taking an old recipe and turning it into something new and unique."

MAPLE DERBY
2 oz. Buffalo Trace bourbon
1 oz. grapefruit juice
1⁄2 oz. lime juice
1 1⁄2 oz. maple ginger syrup

Combine all ingredients in a shaker with ice, shake, and strain into a coupe glass garnished with a grapefruit cube.

THE HOT SHOT
Mike Knuble: Right wing, Washington Capitals

"It's an old favorite of mine. It's simple, strong and crisp. It's my favorite drink, especially in the summertime when I'm relaxing back home." Vermilion, 1120 King St., Alexandria, 703-684-9669.

VODKA AND SODA
1 1⁄2 oz. Belvedere vodka
Club soda
Slice of lime

THE TOP EXECUTIVE
Ray "Chip" Ellis: Founding Member, Howard Theatre Restoration; CEO, Ellis Development Group

"Indoors, sipping a cocktail at the brand-new Howard Theatre is ideal; out of doors, I can't beat overlooking the monuments from [P.O.V., at] the W Hotel (515 15th St. NW, 202-661-2452) with a Dark & Stormy."

DARK & STORMY
10 oz. house-made ginger beer
2 oz. Gosling's dark rum

Serve over ice with lime garnish.

Inside an Environmental Crusader's Office

Tue, 08 May 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Green crusader: Lisa P. Jackson, in her office at the EPA

Sitting in her downtown office outfitted with two fireplaces and floor-to-ceiling windows, Lisa P. Jackson, head of the Environmental Protection Agency, is the portrait of calm, all disarming smiles and casual charm à la the girl next door. But Jackson is rarely afforded the luxury of kicking back for long. Most days are devoted to defending the role of the EPA, heading off challenges to established laws like the Clean Air Act, and trying to push through new environmental policies that have been decades in the making—a Sisyphean task considering the current political climate.

"It's been a tough couple of years," she admits. "There's been criticism of this agency and even people asking whether you need an EPA, partially because Americans today are not confronted with the visible air and water pollution that so disgusted them in the 1970s, when the EPA was formed. And yet folks here have really just buckled down and kept working toward our mission, which is making smart and sensible standards that protect our air and water and land."

Jackson keeps a symbolic pair of boxing gloves hanging from the back of a chair at her conference table; it was a gift from the BlueGreen Alliance, a group that represents the interests of labor and environmentalists. And while most of her victories have been hard-fought—Jackson oversaw the passage of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards late last year, a rule that had been stalled in Congress for 21 years—she maintains the gloves are more of an icebreaker than a threat. "It's usually an opportunity to laugh, especially with folks who don't come here often," she says, alluding to the intimidation factor of meeting the head of a powerful agency—and perhaps to her role as a "greenie" and a defender of the EPA. "This is the stereotype they're worried about, and it gives them a chance to get past it with a little bit of a joke."

It is true that Jackson has had to stand strong in the face of opposition, but she shows a remarkable aptitude for disarming opponents with goodwill. Among the photos that pepper her office, she points to one of Oklahoma Senator James Inhofe, a Republican and the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works, posing with his family.

"We disagree on just about everything, but I keep his picture here for two reasons: One, he's a person with a family that he cares about deeply. And two, because you've got to work with people," she says matter-of-factly. "Actually, he'll tell you we get along just fine, and people are always amazed by it. But people are just people, right? I mean, that's part of what we're losing in this city today."

Consensus building aside, Jackson has been particularly passionate about fighting for the Deepwater Horizon oil spill cleanup as chairwoman of the president's Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Task Force. When Hurricane Katrina hit New Orleans in 2005, the Ninth Ward native toyed with leaving New Jersey to serve her ravaged hometown; in the end, she stayed in New Jersey instead of uprooting her family, and today she views her position in the task force as a second chance to help. Becoming head of the EPA placed her in a prime position to lead the task force and made her better able to address the area's problems.

"That work has made me feel I made the right decision not going home, because I was in the right place at the right time to help the Gulf Coast deal with the explosion and the spill, and now the restoration," she says.

Jackson acknowledges the possibility of the Mercury and Air Toxics Standards being overturned by Congress, but her sense of doing what is right for Americans buoys her when the challenges of the job threaten to become overwhelming. "Poll after poll shows that the American people do carry with them as one of their core values the belief that we need to protect our air and our water, that we need clean places to live," she says. "What's important, especially now, is making clear there's no choice to be made between a strong and healthy economy and a green and strong, healthy environment."

And if Jackson gets discouraged, she draws inspiration from the very people she's trying to protect. "When I go out to communities, especially when I meet young people who are active and engaged, I see the future of the environmental movement and clean energy," she says.

Jackson has spent a lot of time lately touring college and university campuses, talking to young people about that very issue: the future. She feels motivated and inspired by the many students who are well informed on the issues and value EPA's place in this movement.

But for the time being, maybe she should hang onto those boxing gloves.