I grew up in a home where reading was encouraged and education was paramount.
My parents did not have the opportunity to attend college but that my sister and Iwouldwas without question.
I could look into their laboratory windows from our apartment.
The campus was our playground.
I wanted to be just like them.
My mother could sew as well.
When I got to FIT, it was a bit like coming home.
I understand and appreciate the passion and the muse that motivates them.
Coming to FIT was karmic.
Take us through a recent workday.
8:30: breakfast with Board of Trustees and FIT Foundation members.
9:45: quarterly Board of Trustees meeting.
Lunch meeting immediately after with architects to plan for groundbreaking for our new academic building.
Between meetings, answer emails, make phone calls, catch up with desk work.
What apps, gadgets, or tools cant you live without?
My iPhone, for sure; iPad; email and texts.
Whats your workspace setup like?
I work between my desk and my large conference table.
I have a lot of meetings in my office so we sit around the conference table.
I happen to know where to find everything that is on itbut it is not a good look!
But my favorites are the toys produced by our toy design students.
Whats your best shortcut or life hack?
I am not very good at shortcuts.
Once I know the details, I can enlist the best team members to get it done.
Take us through an interesting or unusual process you have in place at work.
The academic model is very different from the corporate model.
It is far less hierarchical and requires an appreciation for what is known as shared governance.
At FIT, we have engaged in a series of strategic planning projects over the years.
We then post our preliminary results and invite input from the rest of the community.
The real value of the process is that we develop a shared vision about our future.
How do you keep track of what you have to do?
This is like running a little city; it is definitely 24/7.
And of course, there is my phone.
How do you recharge or take a break?
I love the theater.
I love flowers and gardening.
I like quiet casual dinners with my husband and friends.
Whats your favorite side project?
Who else would you like to see answer these questions?
Whats the best advice youve ever received?
Incorporate good ideas when you hear them.
Respect the lines of communication and responsibility in your organization.
Let others see their contribution so they can own a piece of the project.
Whats a problem youre still trying to solve?
Getting it all done and getting a reasonable amount of sleep.
Have someone you want to see featured, or questions you think we should ask?
