What I Do After working in industry for 34 years, then for the Air Force for 3 years, and in academia for 3 years, I started a consulting company. My primary focus is support government customers with strategic planning.
Why Engineering? I really wanted a career, where I could make a significant impact. My dad was an engineering, and my brother was studying engineering, when I started college--so the general idea was familiar. I still had not idea of what engineers did, day-to-day. I figured it out after starting work. I was lucky--I found my way into Aerospace engineering for Hughes Aircraft (they built satellites)--I loved working on programs that designed and launched "stuff" to go into space.
School Days George Washington University, BSME 1979 University of Redland, Masters of Management, 1986 University of California, Los Angeles, MBA, 1995 Claremont Graduate University, PhD in Executive Management 2010
My Day At Work I worked in a large variety of areas: Test--I learned how to test every system on the satellite. Systems Engineering-I learned about how to design, build, test, launch and operate satellites. Program Management: I learned about how to lead program, and get products delivered to customers. I also worked for the Air Force as head of the Launch Enterprise--I would tell people that my team bought rockets and launched satellites for the Department of Defense.
Best Part I like understanding how things work and being part of projects that provide capabilities to customers, like the Air Force and Space Force. However, I most enjoyed working with people, mentoring, seeing people grow and take on new capabilities.
Proud Moments I was known for being able to get project that were in trouble back on track. It was very gratifying to work through a myriad of issue to get a project designed, built, launched, and in the end have a happy customer.
Challenges I have had many setbacks along the way. Careers are not linear. It is important to not let setbacks get you down, but to come back with a positive attitude, and keep trying.
My Family I am married, and have three grown children. I live in Los Angeles, with my husband. My son lives in Seattle. My older daughter is in biotech, lives near us in Los Angeles and has three children. My youngest daughter also lives in LA and is a "VJ"--or visual jockey....It is wonderful to spend time with family and see kids grow, change, blossom.
Dreams and Goals I retired from industry, worked for the Air Force, worked in Academia, and am now consulting. My only goal at this point in my career is to help others. I am now teaching part time and consulting. I think if there was a big important project that really needed me to sort it out--I'd be tempted to jump in, but at this point I am enjoying flexibility to spend time with family and friends, in addition to teaching/consulting.
Inspiration My father always encouraged me to "keep up my math and science" in high school and college. That advice enabled me to start college as a liberal arts major and transfer to engineering, and complete college on time. Throughout my career I have had the benefit of learning from many, many talented engineers and managers. One thing to remember, is that many older engineers thoroughly enjoy teaching and mentoring younger engineers--so don't be afraid to ask questions and ask for help.
Want to be an Engineer? If you enjoy math and science and like bringing project to fruition, engineering is a great career. Some girls shy away because they "want to have an impact on the world." You can have a great impact on the world through engineering. There are many opportunities to work with people and lead teams to "get things done."
Hobbies My husband and I walk/hike every day. We spend some time in the mountains, and ski. I also play guitar and a little piano. I also enjoy cooking, and hosting weekly family dinners, and spending time with my kids (not so young anymore) and grandkids.