What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
I was a radio announcer at a local radio station in high school. I learned that technology was a tool to use. It wasn't hard and you didn't have to be a computer science major.

On the technical side, I studied and received a 2nd class engineering licence.

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
Dr. Vinton Cerf, Father of the Internet. He has provided many of us with one of the greatest models of what happens when you "think," use your mind to its fullest ability, believe in yourself, and commit to a lifetime of work.

What is your favorite book?
"Atlas Shrugged" and the Bible.

What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
If I was speculating about the future and the date was May 1901 and watching from May 2001 I could say the telephone, television, x-ray technology, computers, and the Internet. Just to name a few. So, what is next?

I'll take the approach of how communications will change as a result of technology.

I direct IT -- meaning the end-user will direct the "information technology" and the services they require to do their jobs, serve their customers, and communicate with their families.

Individuals will own and operate networks that support their own cell phones, computers, refrigerators, cars, and lives privately connected to other individually owned networks of their peers, friends, family, and workplace that they choose resulting in I Secure IT and a true right to privacy.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
Getting a high school student hooked on technology then watching them teach someone else how to use it to improve their quality of life.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
Since I do not have any children it would have to be writing a bill in the state of Louisiana that provided the first funding of technology dollars to public education. $15,000,000 supported the Greater New Orleans and Louisiana Free-Net. These organizations put over 50,0000 students, teachers, librarians, senior citizens, and small business on the Internet, provided high quality training, and established a Technology Institute that included Cisco Networking classes, Sun system administration classes and other important advanced technology programs for high school students in Louisiana.

What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
Defining my own criteria for success and letting go of the pressure we place upon ourselves by comparing ourselves to others. I try to wake up every morning still pushing forward to achieve greater results and be a leader. I learned that for me, being happy at the end of everyday with what I have defines success.

What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
Prayer, preparation, and i am still working on patience.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
Go for it! Be true to yourself-- listen to the little voice.
Dream big, work hard, learn everyday, and have a blast.