How did you discover your passion for what you do, and what opportunities have helped shape your career?

I had the amazing opportunity to be a part of the data science initiative from the very beginning that allowed me to build and grow. The position and the school had never existed before. My biggest professional opportunity was the ability to determine needs and build an amazing team. When you have done a little bit of everything, hiring people to do parts of that, in amazing ways you couldn’t even imagine, is extremely rewarding.

Who has been an invaluable mentor for your professional career? What did you learn from them?

Phil Bourne, Dean of the School of Data Science, has really shown me that success of the organization IS personal success. With his partnership I have been able to gain great personal satisfaction from the work and to appreciate the contributions of others within and outside of the organization. He has taught me that to be truly successful you build something so strong that it makes you irreplaceable!

How do you make sure you stay connected with your professional network?

I find ways to connect people in my network with one another to create even stronger bonds and opportunities, which then leads them to connect back to me and with others to build our network together.

How have friendships helped you professionally? Is there a friend (or Delta Zeta sister) that has been behind you every step of the way on your career journey?

I have often joked with my friend (and Delta Zeta sister) Mary Jo Madda that we should take over the world of tech. She is an amazing woman that has so much passion for diversity in tech and, along the way, I have relied on her friendship and expertise to think up crazy new ideas. I have even invited her to come and speak as a keynote at one of our events.