I have been in telecommunications for 20 years and my current position for 1 1/2 years. Getting into telecommunications was an opportunity presented to me when I was an office assistant for a large reseller. I would help them with their proposals and get them in the back door of my company.  I started in administration and then the more I learned about the business the more interesting it became to me. A wholesaler told me when I am ready to make a move I should call him and I did and the rest is history! 

I studied Telecommunications Management at Devry Institute of Technology while doing desk top support and then went full force into the business. It was very demanding and I learned most of what I know through experience and on-the-job.

My biggest challenge was establishing a level of acknowledgement and respect for the work I do. I felt for a while that I was not being recognized for the work I was doing and didn't know how I fit into the "big" picture.

I am great when it comes to collaborating and inspiring others. I lead a women's resource group and I am valued there.

My greatest accomplishment was initiating a program for independent contributors at Level 3. I was the lead of the committee to initiate mentoring for people looking to take the next step into leadership. The program was expanded into multiple locations of the company and now hundreds participate. I am now Vice President of Level 3 Women.

This year I have become more confident and independent with my ideas. I have been making great impressions on others and affecting more people. I want to continue to empower women, and while I started doing this in the company, I now want to do more outreach in the community and be a philanthropist. I plan on speaking to the Chairman of the Committee for Family Life at church to set up a non-profit aimed at empowering young women.

I started on my way in philanthropy by starting a hat drive (with a few hundred women), within the company. We knit hats and deliver them to people undergoing chemotherapy for cancer. I recently took it to the church and the ladies in the church are now participating, and I want to continue to grow that.

My daughter, who is 7 years old inspires me. My mother who was a homemaker and had the strength to overcome cancer twice inspires me as well.

I want to be remembered for my believing in others and what they can do.

• Top Dog Award, Bark for Life - American Cancer Society
•  2nd Place - National Level 3 Corp Band Competition

• Empowerment Council - Women's Foundation of Colorado
• United Methodist Church - Louisville, Co.
• American Cancer Society

I love to sing and was the lead singer in the Level 3 Corporate band. I also love to go camping, hiking, and traveling