Education

• BS in finance, University of Illinois, Champaign Urbana

What are the specifics of your educational/career background?

I have worked in a wide range of industries that have led me to higher education. I started in banking and finance, and then moved to television commercial production and worked as a film commissioner. Then, I worked in economic development for the state of Washington, where I helped businesses grow through workforce programs, investment, and international trade.

What are the key aspects of your role at Northeastern? What do you enjoy most about what you do?

My primary role is to build an ecosystem of support for the Khoury Align program in Seattle, which includes employers, non-profits, and a wide range of players. And what I enjoy most is helping create economic opportunities for populations that might not have had access to a career in technology. What’s so powerful about Align is we have students who never imagined becoming a software developer until they saw this path forward. It’s super exciting to help open that door.

What’s the most compelling thing to you about the work that goes on at Khoury?

That the Align curriculum has deconstructed a CS degree in a way that educates students who might have never thought a technology career was accessible to them, debunking the notion that you have to start coding at an early age. The rigor of the program is underpinned by all of Khoury with cutting edge research and faculty.

Where did you grow up or spend your most defining years?

I grew up in Dundee, Illinois.

What led you to work in your field and/or study at your college?

I have to admit that there has been no linear path in my career, but I have loved the opportunity to work in a wide range of industries and roles. And working on Align brings all of my experience together in a mission driven role to expand opportunities for our students and help close the technology talent gap.