Deana Perry-Perksin

Currently I work as a Switch Planning Engineer for Verizon Telecommunication. A Switch Planner is responsible for maintaining Verizon's Wireline (landlines, Internet, & cable) services by ensuring there is enough capacity to serve a given area. In addition to enhancing the network to ensure optimal service. I am currently responsible for the state of Maryland and Rhode Island. I am also responsible for my organization's budget, I monitor and maintain it monthly by evaluating my team's programs and projects spending trends.

When I was young my Father had degrees in Industrial and Civil Engineering. I would flip through his school books occasionally and be amazed but never really thought I would or could be an engineer. I didn't realized until I got to college that there were multiple engineering fields that I could choose from. I initially was going to follow in my Father's foot steps, until one day I was having a conversation with my Sister's Uncle about school and he said "That's good most women do Industrial or Civil Engineering," and his son was going to school for Electrical Engineering. So needless to say when asked which engineering field I was applying for I selected Electrical Engineering.

I received my Bachelors of Science in Electrical Engineering degree from North Carolina A&T State University and a Masters in Business Administration from University of Phoenix.

Typically my day is filled with conference calls and paper work. We have meetings to update the team on individual tasks and progress of projects. Currently we have an on going Network Transformation Project, which involves updating our old telephone equipment with more enhanced technology. I issue jobs for my areas, that purchases the equipment and then requests a vendor to install the equipment. Once installed I have to ensure that it is inventoried in our databases so that it can be used to support our customers' needs.

I hate to say this but I love the shock on people's faces when I say I have a degree in Electrical Engineering and my MBA. I want, at some point, for people to not be shocked when a women gives her credentials. I also have friends that have successful careers in other engineering fields; like Chemical, Industrial, Mechanical, and Architectural Engineering.

Before graduating from NC A&T SU I was offered a job with Verizon and upon graduating I moved to Maryland in 2000 and by 2003 I received my MBA with the help of Verizon tuition assistance program.

Being a women in engineering comes with it's own challenges. Often we have to work harder than our male counterparts. Growing into my own confidence as I got older that I can do this and be a good as any of my counterparts. Because engineering is so board I find that you can get stuck in on particular field if you have not experienced other aspects of engineering.

I have been married to my wonderful husband for 12 years. We have 3 beautiful children, one boy and two girls and two busy body, beautiful grands.

I would like to obtain my Doctoral Degree with in the next 5 years. Often school is a personal goal to accomplish but opens the doors to vast opportunities. When I retire, I may decide to teach.

First and foremost God, then my parents for pushing and guiding me through life. My mom not letting elementary school hold me back, and my Dad for keeping those books around; that curiously definitely adding in my career path. Last but not least my family, we encourage each other and have always been cheerleaders in our greatness!

I wouldn't lie and say that it was an easy accomplishment but I wouldn't changed my experiences while obtaining my degree for the world.

I am a Co-Leader for my daughter's Girl Scout Troop, we do a lot of volunteer work locally and I love to travel!