What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first job was taking orders and collecting money in a fast food restaurant. The technology was as simple as a cash register, however, the interpersonal skills I learned has been with me to this day. Communication skills are key to any career. You need to put yourself in the other person's shoes and be understanding of where they are coming from. With a positive attitude and a smile you can overcome anything!

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?

Bill Gates. His visions and strategic directions has taken Microsoft and technology to places I never imagined when I was in high school. His creative and forward thinking has made advancements into areas that are changing the environment and the way we live. His openness to new ideas and the encouragement to be creative has made Microsoft what it is today. Bill also believes that people are our biggest investment and our greatest resource. It is wonderful to work in an environment that supports new ideas and thinking outside of the box.

What is your favorite book?

The Celestine Prophecy by James Redfield

What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?

We have only begun to scratch the surface of technology in our Lifestyles. We are just now beginning to see Global Positioning Systems in cars, computers in appliances (refrigerators, stoves, etc.). With the development of CE devices there is no limit to where we can go. Devices will become smaller and more powerful. We will be doing virtually everything over the Internet, Bill Gates refers to this as the "web lifestyles." We will be conducting our lives over the Internet, banking, shopping, medical analysis, etc.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?

The ability to meet the challenges of the fast pace of changing technology to my customers needs. These needs extend far beyond their current situations. It is helping them to strategize on where they want to me in the next 5 years, 10 years, and beyond.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?

While working as the K12 account manager I worked with the Kentucky Department of Education to help them meet their needs in 176 school districts as it pertains to appropriate access to the Internet. Microsoft was able to provide a solution for the entire state of Kentucky public schools to keep students from going surfing inappropriate web sites. It also is a tool that each district can monitor where students, faculty, and staff surf, and caches frequently visited sites (i.e., NASA) so if there happens to be communication problem, the teachers can still get to these web sites and continue on with their lesson plans.

What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?

I championed an initiative with a consortium of higher education universities to work together on an opportunity to provide software to all of their faculty, staff and students. Being a consortium, there are different personalities and legal issues represented by each school. The bringing together of the CIO's, business directors, and technical staff was a large endeavor. Not only from my business perspective, but to maximize those participants time. Being in a sales position, a person needs to bring a business solution to the customer, as a consortium you need the solution to work for all the participating parties to be successful.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?

Go for it! Don't let the fast changing pace of technology stop you from going into a field that you are excited about. You should go into an area for study/work that you are truly passionate about and take it to the next level. You will have the opportunity to change careers and experience different avenues all through your life. Flexibility and adaptability will be important traits to have not only during your career, but in every aspect of your life. Math and science skills are important in the area of technology of technology. Interpersonal skills and communication skills will help you take yourself to that next level.You can be anything you want to be. Think outside of the box and try your ideas. You will always learn something from your endeavors.