What led you to your current profession? I worked for an architectural firm as a designer for (7) years designing K-12 schools. One day I woke up thinking it was time to branch out. Through my professional connections, I found a custom millwork company looking for a designer. I took a chance and learned how to design/draw high-end residential and commercial custom millwork. After (4) years and building industry economic change, my career took another turn. My professional contacts led me to STV DPM (formally known as DPM). (12) years later…

Who or what inspires you? My father inspires me every day. He was a self-taught master mason and artist. He started in his teenage years, and worked until his late 70s. Hardworking, passion, and integrity describes his working career and I strive for those words to describe mine as well. 

What advice can you offer to someone who is interested in a career in your industry? Project management career isn’t easy, it’s challenging. However, if you have a passion to be honest as well as hardworking, flexible, have strong communication skills, disciplined, detailed oriented and you don’t take things personally, project management may be for you. 

How have your life experiences impacted who you are professionally? From the beginning of my career, I have gravitated towards those professionals who were/are successful in their line of work. I have asked them question after question after question. In life, I know a person can’t be an expert in everything, however a successful person knows what questions to ask and to whom. From grocery store worker to interior designer to custom millwork designer to project manager, I have communicated my knowledge to my clients I have gathered throughout my working experience and from the talented individuals who have molded me to the project manager I am today.