What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
I started working as a high school senior. I went to work part-time as a hostess for a local steak restaurant. I went to work in the early evening and stayed late at night until the restaurant closed. I enjoyed the job because I had to dress nicely and greet people at the door. I learned that being upbeat and positive in your attitude helped other people become the same way. I also learned that working late and not getting enough sleep is not healthy, as I contracted mononucleosis and was prescribed to bed rest for a month (believe me, I didn't want to get out of bed).

I must add that the first job I had to get me in the technical field was with IBM as an intern while getting my MBA in marketing. I think having the opportunity to work in an internship program while attending school is of great value to anyone who has the option. Without that opportunity who know where I'd be now.

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
My heroes, I really have no one person to mention here, but two special ones. I think my parents have always been my heroes. My father spent over 30 years in the Air Force with my mother always at his side. My mother quit her job to raise 3 children while packing us all up and moving all over the world every two years. They raised us in a loving home and sacrificed to make sure all three of us went to college. Their memory will always be with me in everything I do.

My mentors, I would say that would be both my former and current directors, Susan Gordon and Larry McGrath. Susan is now retired, but her past 6 years of mentorship as a women in management was invaluable to me, in fact once a month we still get together and talk. Larry is now my current director, he and I started here at UCR together and worked as peers for over 5 years. As he has moved up in management he has guided me into how to be a thoughtful, professional manager. I greatly respect him and thank him for making me strive to my fullest potential.

What is your favorite book?
I actually have a few different favorites. The book I enjoyed most because of the story and emotional factor (OK, tearjerker) was Victor Hugo's "Les Miserables." The book(s) I loved to read as a teenager because of the adventure and imagination, and which was a gift given to me by a good friend, was J.R.R. Tolkien's "The Hobbit" and "The Lord of the Rings" trilogy. I will always cherish the set. As far as everyday reading, I like to read all types of mysteries from various different writers, and anything Tom Clancy writes is a must.

What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
I see all of our work being done remotely over the internet with almost all applications being web-based. Also, hard wiring will be going away with connections being wireless. Computers will be in all parts of our lives, performing everyday tasks in our homes and at the office. My colleagues and I get together and look back at how many changes have come forth in such a short time and start thinking ahead in the next few years, but in 10 years, that will be something.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
The most interesting aspect of my job is continually striving to meet the desktop computing needs of the staff and faculty of this University with just 9 support technicians. There are over 3000 desktops to support with my group, all with technology ranging from quite a few years old to the state-of-the -art, newly developed systems. Keeping up with technology (as well as being witness to the new innovative ideas), making sure the clients stay running, managing the helpdesk, and helping my group grow technically and professionally are definitely the most interesting elements for me.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
Personally, the single greatest accomplishment to date was having my son 15 years ago and seeing him grow into a fine young man and accomplished athlete (and still growing past his 6'3" height). Professionally, working my way up in the computer technology field as a women in a male-dominated environment (early 80's) to become the Manager of the Microcomputer Support Group at a major university. I am very pleased to be part of a wonderful group of people and really enjoying what I do.

What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
I believe my greatest challenge was being able to adapt to new places and people from moving constantly during my first 18 years of life. It was difficult leaving friends you had made knowing you will never see them again, and then going to a new place and having to make friends all over again. In addition, not only was I having to meet new people, but I was also moving to different countries and learning to adapt to the new cultures. Then I think back of how I must have sounded with the different accents I picked up after living in England, then moving to Alabama, then moving to New Jersey then to Okinawa. Of course, after living in Southern California for 20 years all of that has gone away.

What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
Just being a mom and wife provides balance for me. My greatest joy has been watching my 15 year old son grow up and being there for him. Being a working parent, I made sure I found a job that was very close to his schools and our home (4.8 miles). I make time to go to all of his basketball and baseball games and help out with the school booster clubs. There is also my stepson, Cory, who is studying to be an architect, and my stepdaughter, Amy, who works on a cruise ship and is having the time of her life. I also take time to watch my husband, Randy, ride in his motocross races. We travel all over southern California together so he can ride with his motocross group. It is so much fun to see him take part in something he really enjoys. And, OK, yes, I have had a housecleaner for 10 years and it's the best decision I ever made!

I also love to garden. When I am outside working in the yard I start feeling relaxed and content and can reflect on how my life is going.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
Go for it! This is a great, rewarding field to be in and it needs more women. If you love working with computers and helping people you should definitely get into this field. My advice is to go to college and while there try to get an internship with a company that interests you. Most companies have college internship programs that pay you. Not only will you have the education, but you will also have the work experience. I look at many resumes is my position and there a too few women applying for technical jobs. Many time women think that why compete with a man in this field, they are seen as knowing more. That's not true and one shouldn't be intimidated by this thinking, if you have the desire and knowledge you will be just as strong a candidate as a man.