Raejean Stefanizzi
Professor-Informaton Technology
Barry University
Fields: IS/IT/CS/MIS
Specialty:Emerging Technology/MOT
Nominated by: Larry Beebe
Excerpt from nomination: "Throughout her career, Raejean has had to function in environments where there were almost no women. She is not afraid to take risks, to keep learning, and to try and fail.
Raejean is also insightful, and has the ability to analyze and solve problems. She is passionate about her work, organization skills and is a good communicator. Raejean inspires all who are around her by not letting barriers get in the way of achieving her goals. Even in the face of overwhelming odds Raejean maintains her perspective and holds to her convictions.
In addition to the technical skills she possesses, Raejean has the ability to transfer these skills along to student in a way that makes it fun and easy for them to learn. Raejean is completing her dissertation, while carrying a very heavy workload. Her enthusiasm for learning and sharing make her an ideal role model for young women in the computer science and information technology fields. I believe Raejean represents the essence of how someone can pursue professional growth, but also create a balance in their personal life. "
What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was as a chiropractors assistant when I was 15. I wanted to go to medical school after I graduated from high school. However, after working in the hospital for a few years, I changed my mind. The most important lesson I learned from working in medicine at such a young age was just how precious life is and we should live it to the fullest each day that God blesses us with life.
Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
First - God the creator. Nothing else needs to be said - just look around.
Mother Teresa for dedicating her entire life to selfless acts of love.
The Dalai Lama for giving his spiritual wisdom and enlightening guidance.
Mentors have been important to me, but I also try to get my inspiration from everything and everyone.
What is your favorite book?
Deepak Chopra's "The Path to Love."
What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
Computers that can speak, listen, and understand human language, will be much easier to use, and accurately translate between languages in real-time;
"Intelligent agents" that can roam the Internet on our behalf, retrieving and summarizing the information we are looking for in a vast ocean of data;
A wide range of scientific and technological discoveries made possible by simulations running on supercomputers, accessible to researchers all over the country;
Networks that can grow to connect not only tens of millions of computers, but hundreds of billions of devices;
New ways of developing complex software that is more reliable and easy to maintain, and can be depended on to run the phone system, the electric power grid, financial markets, and other core elements of our infrastructure; and
Computers that are thousands of times faster than today's supercomputers, and are based on fundamentally different technology, such as biological or quantum computing.
What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
The single most interesting part of my work is interacting with the students who I teach, and mentor in their educational and career pursuits. I aim to positively affect students and when I see them progress and attain their goal(s), it is a very rewarding feeling.
What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
Inspiring individuals interest in the information technology and information systems fields of study.
What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
When I started in education, being a 23-year-old female faculty member in the predominantly male fields of information technology and computer science. I learned that politics is alive and well in the 21st century.
What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
Praise God first, spend time with family, travel, and exercise regularly. Mind, body, spirit balance.
What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
Many information technology companies are concerned that they cannot hire enough skilled workers - in particular, computer science graduates. Information technology and computer science are difficult fields in which to work. However, they are also the most rewarding. Arm yourself with a positive attitude (because it is your choice) and determination. Prioritize your life and subscribe to the ideology of life long learning.
