How has your personal and professional journey shaped the person you are today?
My journey has been shaped by a mix of hard work, resilience, and a deep sense of purpose. With over 16 years in the IT industry, I’ve taken on multiple roles starting as a developer and growing into positions like architect, project manager, and technical leader. Each chapter has taught me something new, not just about technology or business, but about leading with intention, staying grounded through change, and continuously evolving.
I’ve always seen myself as the strength of my family. Growing up, I was the one everyone leaned on during tough times and that role has only grown stronger after marriage. Whether as a daughter, sister, wife, or mother, I give my best to every role I play. These relationships are my foundation. They’ve taught me how to lead with empathy, stay patient in chaos, and stand tall even when things get difficult.
Throughout my life and career, I’ve often been seen as a role model not because everything has come easily, but because I’ve faced challenges head-on while staying true to my values. One thing I’ve learned about myself is that I’m not in competition with anyone else. I am my own benchmark. That mindset pushes me to keep growing, to do better every day, and to show up fully in everything I commit to personally and professionally.
What motivated you to pursue an Executive MBA as part of your ongoing growth?
I’ve always believed that real growth begins where comfort ends. While I had built deep technical and delivery expertise, I wanted to gain a strategic perspective to move from execution to impact. Over the years, I’ve been inspired by women leaders who bring both empathy and strength to the table and those who lead not just with intellect, but with authenticity and purpose. That style of leadership deeply resonated with me and made me realize I wanted to grow in that same way.
Pursuing an Executive MBA was also deeply personal. I come from a family that has always valued education. My paternal grandparents, aunts, and uncles have all served in academia, and my in-laws share a similar educational background. That legacy instilled in me a lifelong passion for learning. As a gold medalist and topper during my undergraduate studies, education has always been a cornerstone of my identity and purpose.
I’ve never seen education as a checkbox. It’s a lifelong journey. This program is one chapter in a much larger story of continuous learning and growth. Choosing Georgia Tech was a natural extension of that value system. It represents excellence, rigor, and innovation and I’ve always believed in learning from the best. This journey is not only about personal growth but also about setting an example for my daughters, family, and friends. It’s never too late to evolve and education is the most empowering investment you can make.
Why did Georgia Tech feel like the right place for you to further your education?
Georgia Tech felt like the perfect fit. Its strong focus on innovation, analytics, and leadership development aligned perfectly with my goals. But beyond the academics, the culture here is what sealed it for me. I’ve experienced the program as collaborative, ambitious, and grounded in real-world impact.
The cohort experience has been especially enriching. Learning from classmates with incredibly diverse backgrounds has pushed me to think differently and lead more inclusively. These relationships have expanded my worldview and leadership lens.
The faculty at Scheller have collectively played a pivotal role in my growth. Every professor I’ve learned from has brought unique perspectives that stretched my thinking and shaped my approach to leadership and business.
Dr. Dong Liu’s leadership course strengthened my self-awareness and helped me refine my leadership style. Dr. Frank Rothaermel’s strategy courses pushed me to think more critically and globally. Dr. Deborah Turner and Dr. Jonathan Clarke’s financial courses gave me clarity and confidence in areas I once found intimidating. Together with the broader faculty, their combined influence has been transformative, helping me thrive not only in the classroom but also in real-world decision-making.
I also see this experience as part of my long-term commitment to lifelong learning. Georgia Tech didn’t just meet my expectations, it raised them. It reaffirmed my belief that learning never stops, and the more we evolve, the more we have to offer to our work, our families, and our communities.
How do you successfully navigate the demands of work, life, and graduate study?
Honestly, it’s a constant juggling act and not every day looks perfect. I’ve learned to be intentional with how I spend my time and energy. Some days are about powering through deadlines, others are about showing up fully for my family, and sometimes it’s just about giving myself space to breathe.
One of my greatest strengths throughout this journey has been the unwavering support of those around me, including my husband, daughters, extended family, friends, and cohort. They’ve shown up in big and small ways to encourage me, step in when I needed a hand, and remind me that I don’t have to carry everything on my own. I’ve learned that asking for help isn’t a weakness; it’s a sign of trust and strength. And saying no when necessary has become part of honoring my priorities and protecting my peace.
For me, balance isn’t about having everything perfectly aligned all the time; it’s about knowing what matters most in each moment. Whether it’s work, school, or life, I show up with purpose and give myself grace for the rest.
What’s one ‘aha’ moment from the program that changed how you think or lead?
During our Global Business course in Vietnam, I had a profound realization: innovation thrives not from abundance but from constraint. Context is everything. Seeing how companies adapt to local markets with empathy and resourcefulness changed my leadership mindset.
Since then, I’ve been more deliberate about pausing, listening, and understanding before acting. I lead with more curiosity and inclusiveness realizing that the best solutions often emerge from the people closest to the problem. This shift has also deepened my appreciation for empathy, a trait I now see as a true leadership superpower.
Another ‘aha’ moment came outside the classroom realizing that my cohort has become like a second family. We’ve shared late nights, tough deadlines, moments of doubt, and many wins. The bonds we’ve formed are genuine and lasting. I’ve built lifelong friendships that I will carry with me long after graduation, and that sense of community has been one of the most unexpected and meaningful parts of this journey.
Where do you hope your Executive MBA will lead you next?
I envision this Executive MBA as a springboard into senior leadership roles where I can drive innovation at the intersection of technology, strategy, and human-centered transformation. I want to be part of building organizations that not only deliver value but also nurture people, champion equity, and stay rooted in purpose.
But more than a title or role, I want to lead with intention to create inclusive spaces, open doors for women in technology, and uplift voices that often go unheard. I hope to be a mentor, a connector, and a catalyst for those around me, just as others have been for me.
At the core, my journey is about continuous learning, meaningful impact, and giving back. I want to use what I’ve gained not just from the classroom, but from my life experiences, to make a difference. Whether it’s mentoring young professionals, contributing to my community, or simply being a role model for my daughters, I want to give back to society in every way I can. My goal is to build a legacy not just of success but of significance.