What was your first job and what did you learn from it?
My first job was secretary to the budget director at a business college in Rhode Island called Bryant College of Business Administration. For 12 years I worked at this college and got promoted to assistant to the president. I learned all aspects of administration of a college - and now here I am a college president! This first job taught me how important education is and how education can change the quality of life. This job also taught me that the sky is the limit in terms of achieving your goals. I always wondered how high I could be promoted at Bryant. After reaching the level of assistant to the president, I thought this was my limit. But, I never gave up my goal of being a college president one day ... and I made it !

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?
My mentor has always been Dr. Harry F. Evarts, president of Bryant College. Dr. Evarts saw in me the potential and talent I had in being a leader. He encouraged and motivated me to pursue a higher education and set higher goals for myself. He promoted me to the position of assistant to the president and gave me many responsibilities in college administration, thereby training me for my ultimate goals of college president.

What is your favorite book?
"The Seven Habits of Highly Effective People" by Stephen R. Covey and "Selling the Invisible" by Harry Beckwith are my favorite books. Also, "Think and Grow Rich" by Napolean Hill.

What advances in your field do you envision over the next 10 years?
The advances that I envision for the field of IT Training include the following:

1. The traditional instructor-led classroom environment will be challenged by virtual classrooms online. I believe this new media will prove to be effective for some learners, but the instructor-led training model will continue to flourish.
2. The IT industry is exploding with new technologies being introduced quarterly. The field is highly competitive and will continue to attract entrepreneurs and those who will try to take advantage of the growth potential.
3. The Internet will continue to develop and become the number one media for communications. Homes will be designed to include wireless Internet capabilities as standard features. Daily routines of raising a family will be facilitated through the Internet new media.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?
Helping people achieve their greatest potential. Individuals need someone to believe in them in order for them to truly believe in themselves. If we can touch another human's inner self and show him/her that they have special talents and qualities, then this will inspire the drive to attain greater levels of accomplishment. It is truly rewarding to see someone improve and achieve beyond their greatest expectations.

What do you consider to be your greatest accomplishment?
My greatest accomplishment is in raising my two sons while maintaining a very busy schedule as president & CEO, consultant, advisor, writer, etc. As a single parent, I have been able to keep a professional career thriving and at the same time raise two sons who are now on their way to success.

What was your greatest challenge and what did you learn from it?
My greatest challenge was to establish a vocational school and assist individuals in starting careers in the IT industry. This challenge took several years to achieve and consumed every ounce of my energy and time. There were always new hurdles to overcome, and I learned never to give up. Through hard work and perseverance, I reached my goal and now feel a huge sense of accomplishment.

What strategies do you use to maintain balance in your life?
I like to prioritize things and I sincerely try to stay physically fit by attending the gym at least three times per week. I initiate projects at home that give me a sense of domestic rewards such as gardening, home improvements, joint projects with my sons, etc. I enjoy short trips and get-aways to rejuvenate my energy and drive.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?
Donıt ever quit and donıt ever think that there is anything you cannot achieve. I always tell them the 3-Dıs of accomplishing goals, i.e., Desire, Determination and Dedication. My mother always told me that if I wanted something badly enough, I could have it !!