How did you discover your passion for what you do?

I have always loved creating and building things. When I decided to change careers, I really wanted to find a way to bring that passion to computers. After my internship, I realized I was also very interested in security, because it’s always changing and challenging how I look at the things I build. My current career allows for me to use all of these passions on a daily basis.

Who is your mentor, and how did he/she shape your career?

One of my mentors is Kristen Field, Gamma Nu – Eastern Illinois, another of the 35 Under 35 honorees this year. She helped me greatly during the time that I was making the move to completely change careers. I was very nervous to go back to school, and her support gave me the confidence to do this. She also is such an impressive person in everything that she does, it always motivates me to be better.

What words of wisdom do you live by?

One of my favorite bands, Delta Rae, has a song called “Morning Comes.” I try to live by the words in this song which remind me that no matter what I am going through, there is good in the world, and it’s just around the corner.