How I got here
The Journey: From Restaurants to Tech Leadership
I never set out to build a career in tech. I grew up in my family’s restaurant, where I learned firsthand about hard work, problem-solving, and keeping operations running smoothly—skills that would prove invaluable in ways I didn’t expect.
When I graduated with an English degree, I didn’t have a clear path mapped out. My first job out of college? Phone support for Lotus 1-2-3. That job was pivotal—it taught me how to take things apart, understand how they work, and put them back together. It turns out, that mindset is the foundation of everything I’ve done since.
The Evolution of My Career: From Accidental to Intentional
In the early days, I was just looking for experiences. I spent a lot of time in customer support, training, and documentation, picking up skills along the way. Much of it was unintentional learning—figuring things out as I went. I moved into technical training and courseware development, and from there, it was a natural transition into program management—where I could solve bigger, more strategic problems.
For the past 10–12 years, though, my career moves have been very intentional. I’ve made choices that expanded my leadership and strategic thinking, often taking on roles that stretched me in new ways. And for the last 10 years, I’ve had one consistent focus: using my tech skills in healthcare.
Why I Never Got a PMP Certification
I’ve led massive programs, driven enterprise-wide transformations, and built governance structures for Fortune 50 companies. But I never got a PMP certification. Why? Because project management, at its core, isn’t about checking off process boxes—it’s about understanding people, solving real problems, and getting things done efficiently.
The English Major Who Built a Career in Tech
Yes, I have an English degree. No, that didn’t stop me from building a career in data, AI, and technology leadership. In fact, it’s been an advantage. Tech isn’t just about code—it’s about storytelling, problem-solving, and making sense of complexity. Understanding structure, clarity, and communication has been just as important as technical expertise in my career.
Fun Fact: The Times I Quit It All
At one point, I quit everything to study pastry. I went broke and decided I was too old to start over. But then I did it again—this time, to write a book. Instead, I wound up working tech for an airline. Turns out, reinvention is something I do well, even if it doesn’t always go as planned.
Where I Am Now: Leadership, Strategy & Healthcare
Today, I’m focused on technology leadership, AI, and healthcare transformation. I bring together technical depth, strategic execution, and the ability to navigate complex systems—whether that’s in enterprise-scale program management, healthcare innovation, or AI applications in public health.
I’ve worked across tech, public health, and enterprise transformation—always with an eye on solving meaningful problems. Whether it’s leading teams, improving processes, or driving strategic decisions, I thrive in spaces where complexity meets impact.
One last thought
I’ve spent my career taking things apart and putting them back together—from programs and processes to strategies and teams. I thrive at the intersection of technology, healthcare, and transformation, bringing a pragmatic but forward-thinking approach to solving big challenges. If you’re looking for someone who can navigate complexity, drive meaningful change, and make things work better, let’s connect.