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Customer Service Manager, Belay Diagnostics, Chicago, Illinois, USA

Controversial opinion? We still do not have enough women in executive leadership roles with commercial or hospital laboratories. Progress is being made, but we still have work to be done.

Intro to pathology? Funny story – I was in the hospital suffering from a kidney stone and my roommate was a phlebotomist who told me what a great career option it was! As a single mom raising 3 daughters, I needed flexible hours so I got up at 2:30am 6 days a week to draw blood in long-term care facilities, came home to get my girls off to school, then worked a few more hours on call. It was the best decision I ever made! I originally wanted to go to medical school and become a trauma surgeon, but it was just not possible for me, so I’m glad to still be in a healthcare field that is rewarding and plays a big role in patient care.

Professional ambitions? I will be sitting my fellowship exam later this summer (FACHE), but at this point in my career I want to give back through volunteer efforts using my high school Lab Sciences Education and Awareness Program (LEAP). I have a few colleagues and nonprofit organizations interested in supporting this effort in Chicago Public Schools. In addition, we would like to obtain used and/or expired equipment and supplies to create the first of its kind Simulation Lab so high school students can take college credit courses and run testing on similar instruments that they would see in a hospital lab. It is a big goal, but this is something I hope to accomplish before retirement in 10 years!