In my current role, I am responsible for creating reference designs for Automotive Infotainment systems using integrated circuits (ICs) from Texas Instrument’s (TI’s) portfolio. Additionally I am responsible for working with the Business Units within TI to help identify gaps in TI’s portfolio and how we can develop new products to fulfill those gaps.

Starting in grade school it was obvious that I was a builder and creator. I loved to draw, paint, and do arts and crafts. But when my dad gave me my first junior circuit board, a new type of creating was introduced in my life. As I grew older, I also developed an interest in math and science and by the time I enrolled in my first physics class, I could finally apply math to science and understand how to create things. Naturally, the delight I found in creating combined with my passion for math and science pushed me towards engineering.

I did my undergraduate degree in Electrical Engineering at University of California, Davis. I am currently applying to Part-Time graduate schools to get my MBA in Technical Management

I get to do so many different things in my current role! I get to travel, build circuit boards, and understand market trends and what that means for new products. I also get to help and learn from so many different people around the world.

I get to create things!

Other than earning my degree in electrical engineering which was considerably challenging, getting to the place where I am considered a go-to resource or “expert” in regards to infotainment media interface has been an important accomplishment. It has helped increase my credibility with managers and business units across TI.

I have been rejected by schools and jobs, I’ve had to work with difficult managers, coworkers, and customers. I’ve spent hours in the lab trying to figure out the smallest issue that is stopping the whole design from working. I’ve faced sexism many times in this male dominated industry but through it all I’ve taken it one step at a time. Just like with an engineering problem, sometimes you have to just have to take a step back and think, “Ok, that didn’t work, but what is the next step that I can try?” It’s also important to ask for help!

I just recently married my husband in September 2015 and we currently have two dogs. We were introduced by a good friend (and fellow electrical engineer) of mine in our last year of undergraduate school. My husband is a Mechanical Engineer at Tesla Motors. Additionally, my dad, his uncle and aunt are engineers as well!

My short term goals include earning my MBA and learning more about the strategic part of business development when it comes to my current role especially with regards to the automotive infotainment and media interface industry. In the long run, I want to be able to someday run my own product line where I can lead the development of specific products and cater them to market needs.

Many people have helped encourage me and mentor me over the years. My dad has probably been the person that has helped influence my career choices the most, doing whatever it took to introduce me to people and career options. My mentors in high school and college have also had a great influence on my views and opinions of the world. I still appreciate the encouragement and advice from them. Additionally, in my career I have always sought out the mentorship to help guide me through my current and future roles!

Just because you might not fit the stereotype of what a “typical engineer” is doesn’t mean that you can’t be an engineer. Don’t be afraid to be smart, take risks, try something new (that’s what engineering is all about!), and learn how you learn!

I get to travel, build circuit boards, and understand market trends and what that means for new products. I also get to help and learn from so many different people around the world.

Outside of work I like to volunteer at a nearby elementary school, play with my dogs, paint, crochet, go on hikes, and do yoga.