How has earning an MBA helped you? 

Once, during the third round of interviews, I was asked, “What is the most strategic thing you’ve ever done?”
I had not considered the question before, but it was an easy answer for me, ‘Go back to school to get my MBA’.

It was in a summer class, Intro to OTM with Dr. Gary Mitchell, at the end of my first year of graduate school, when I decided to change the course of my studies to an MBA in Operations and Technology Management. I finally had found my fish! Prior to this class, I did not know what I was called or called to do. None of my friends thought like I did, and it was nice to know that I had a home. A home, which if I wanted to belong, required a tremendous amount of work and dedication to learn the craft. One of which, I am dedicated to, in the continuous improvement of learning.

The University of Portland, and most specifically the Pamplin School of Business, gave me the opportunity to realize a dream to create a new life. The work was mine to accept and complete, but with guidance, support, encouragement and office hour meetings where all questions were asked and answered.

My MBA in Operations and Technology Management opened doors which before were non existent. The Business School offers opportunities to connect with industry leaders from the Portland area during networking opportunities, and I never say no to an opportunity.

My professors did not teach me what to think but how to think, analyze and present options. During the course of my studies, I envisioned wearing a tool belt, and if an employer asked, ‘Can you do this?’ I would reach to my tool belt and offer to them the skillset required. In my career, I utilize fundamentals every day which were taught to me by the faculty at the University of Portland. My former professors have become my mentors, colleagues and I am blessed to say my friends.

What are you doing now as a UP Pamplin Alumni?

Fast forward, I have served on the Board of the Portland APICS Chapter, and I am currently serving as the VP of Governance and Policy for the Portland Chapter of PMI. Professionally, I am the WW Functional Testing Manager, enabling Digital Transformation in Supply Chain for a critical project at HP, Inc.

What feeds my soul is the ability to mentor, share knowledge and experiences, with students and transitioning professionals who are moving towards their chosen STEM careers. In a couple of weeks, I will be presenting to a group of middle school girls who have formed a STEM club.
I can’t wait.