Where did you go to school?
I graduated from Oklahoma State University with a B.A. in journalism and a minor in political science (Go Pokes!). As part of my understudies, I was one of two Oklahomans selected to attend Georgetown University for one summer through the Fund for American Studies. I also obtained an MBA from Oklahoma City University with an emphasis on project management.
Describe the type of work you do:
I work for an IT hardware and professional services VAR as the Operations & PMO Manager. My job consists of implementing stream-lining processes with our customer’s IT team in mind, and overseeing daily functions that adhere to best-practice standards. I have always had a passion for leading, organizing tasks, tracking assignments, and motivating team members. Being a manager of operations and the PMO is an exciting challenge that’s critical to success, as it involves planning, managing, and handling the details – all while striving to improve efficiency.
What led you to a career in technology:
After graduating with my bachelors, I decided against a political journalism career in D.C. and took a job as a research analyst for a technology company that provided a platform for operating trading venues for the benefit of financial markets and the global trading community. While there, I was assigned the project coordinator positon which ultimately became the foundation that my career is built upon. When that company moved their headquarters to India, I took the role as production director for a web and software development company. That path delivered me to where I am today as the operations and PMO manager for a technology solution provider that fulfills customer data needs.
Why are you an OKWIT member?
I have been a champion for women parity from as far back as I can remember. The idea of equal pay and equal opportunity was instilled me at a young age by my parents. Now, working in a field where only roughly 25% of the workforce is made of women, and those women only earn about 80 cents to every dollar a man earns (doing the same job) – the fire under me has been lit to bring about change. My mission is to change the fact that women are under-represented in a field we should easily be excelling in. I’m an OKWIT member because I founded OKWIT – to bring about change. OKWIT’s mission is to advocate and promote women working in STEM fields (technology focused), and to keep them in those fields by providing a network of support. I believe in this organization and the social change that is going to come from it.
Tell us about your favorite book, TV show, or movie:
- Favorite TM shows include Lost, Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Game of Thrones, Breaking Bad, and anything Anthony Bourdain related.
- Favorite books – anything scary! I’m a horror novel junkie.
- All-time favorite movies are The Game and Urban Cowboy.
What type of music do you listen to?
Everything – classical, jazz, classic country, rock… Selection of music always depends on the mood I’m in, or the mood I want to be in.
If you had a day off with no responsibilities, how would you spend it?
With my husband and two kids at a cabin on the lake; fishing, swimming, reading, grilling, playing board games, and then putting kids to bed at dark and enjoying a bottle of wine on the front porch in rocking chairs with my husband. No cell phone service, no computers, no TV. 100% unplugged from the world.
What is your favorite app?
Pinterest – to dream about all the cool crafts I would make if I was crafty, to log all the recipes I want to emulate but never will, and to file away the designer photos I want to model my house after – but never do.
What would we find in your fridge?
Milk, apple juice, miller light (for beer-tinis), bacon, eggs, assorted veggies and whatever meat I’m thawing for dinner that night (currently Salmon). Oh, and blueberries/blackberries/raspberries when they’re on sale.
If you could change one thing in today’s society, what would it be?
Less judging, more understanding. Adults judge each other more than teenagers do each other.
