1. Tell us about you. Where did you go to school? What’s your most recent professional experience?
I was born in Indiana and moved to West Virginia when I was 12. I didn’t think I was going to be able to go to college because my mom was a single mom (widower) and couldn’t afford it. I found a way (as you will see later) and went to the local 4 year college, Bluefield State College in WV. I spent most of my career at Advance Auto Parts, first as an Administrative Assistant to get my foot in the door. I moved to Inventory Management as a Replenishment Analyst, and then to Procurement as a Buyer. I assisted with the implementation of an eProcurement system (PeopleSoft) and was offered the position of PeopleSoft System Administrator and Trainer. I have also worked in IT at a hospital and as a Procurement Specialist for a healthcare software company.
2. Tell us about your role here at E&I. Give us a quick rundown of your responsibilities and how they play a part in our team’s overall success.
I’m an Implementation Analyst in the Innovations & Insights department, specializing in our marketplace. My role involves guiding members through the marketplace and ensuring they effectively utilize the system. I’m responsible for member setup and recently collaborated with Helga to successfully launch BlankBuy, our latest marketplace, coordinating system adjustments, member engagement, and communication efforts. I also partner with marketing to ensure member sites are polished and attractive. My primary collaborators are members, MET, and marketing teams.
3. What do you enjoy most about your work? Are there specific tasks or projects that you find particularly fulfilling or exciting?
I enjoy helping members. I enjoy building a marketplace that they can use for free, and seeing it assist them in their eprocurement journey. I enjoy the collaboration, working with other areas to make it all happen!
4. What aspect of our company culture resonates with you the most? Are there particular values or practices that you find especially meaningful and enjoy being a part of?
I love the DDO culture and never want to go back to the “other” types of company cultures! I appreciate that I can be my true self here, I can make mistakes and learn from them instead of being judged. I truly believe that a happy worker makes a more efficient and driven worker. I feel more fulfilled & appreciated in this environment! Thank you for that!!!
5. What are your hobbies or interests outside of work? Tell us about your passions and how you unwind and recharge when you’re not on the clock.
I enjoy gardening, cooking, crafts, painting, creating essential oil blends, creating floral essence blends, fermenting food, family, friends, my kitties, a good glass of red wine or a bourbon. I enjoy reading about alternative health therapies and trying to be healthy. I am finding that “all things in moderation” really is a good way to live. I enjoy going to the gym, spending time with friends and going to music festivals with my husband. We love cooking together while sharing a nice wine. My most recent home endeavor, fermenting Kombucha (I started my 1st batch this past weekend). Don’t know what Kombucha is? Watch Gut Health on Masterclass and you will see what it is!
6. What are you reading, binge watching, or listening to? Anything in particular that’s captured your attention or sparked your interest recently?
Currently I am watching The Gentlemen on Netflix. One of my favorites is Ted Lasso, I’ve watched it twice. I’m not currently reading anything except for health-related articles. I am taking the Gordon Ramsey Masterclass and loving it.
7. Share a fun fact about yourself. Is there something about you that your colleagues might find surprising or interesting?
I was in the Army Reserves and was a sharpshooter with the M-16 rifle. This is how I paid for my college! Also, I have never ridden on a train, and I have never been to New York city. I have been to Long Island once, but we didn’t make it into the city. Also, my husband Joe is 11 years younger than me. We’ve been together 13 years, married 2 1/2 years. We have a lot in common despite our age difference.
8. What’s one thing you want to do in the next year that you’ve never done before?
Take painting classes.
9. What do you want to get 1% better at each day?
For my career: Improve my reporting skills & speaking in front of groups. Personally: continue in learning Spanish.
