We’re all busy but make sure that being accountable and volunteering is a top priority
Accountability
I believe one must be accountable. Not only accountable to others, but most importantly to ourselves. Accountability involves recognizing priorities, taking ownership, focusing on execution, and answering for actions and results all while staying true to oneself. I spent half my career working in electronics device failure analysis and even though I no longer work in the labs, I hold myself accountable to helping the international failure analysis community.
Volunteering
I always strive to assist and support others, whether it is an industry society, a colleague, my Austin community, or women around me. Volunteering is a personal priority to me, and I often ask, “How can I help?” I find that this attitude fosters collaboration, trust, and respect. Most importantly, I find helping others fulfilling.
Volunteering provides opportunities to lead in ways not always available in our daily jobs. It is empowering. It promotes engagement and provides opportunities to grow, all while fostering a sense of community among those serving and those served. I’ve experienced this personally through my own volunteer efforts, through which I have developed a deep sense of purpose and lifelong connections. I am extremely grateful for the personal and community growth my volunteering has fostered, yet I recognize I must maintain balance with my priorities to remain accountable to myself.
Wall of Hats
I have a wall of hats behind my home desk, which serves as a symbolic representation of my multiple roles and priorities. I wear many hats, both figuratively and literally, in my professional and personal lives. My current professional priorities are helping AMD grow, connecting with my industry peers, developing employees, and leading community involvement. As a business operations director and chief of staff, I ensure our organization is cared for and improving. As the incoming Electronics Device Failure Analysis Society’s president and the International Symposium for Test and Failure Analysis’ general chair, I ensure my industry peers are connected. I develop employees through my role as the AMD Women’s Forum global lead, and as a manager, and mentor. I also lead community involvement and advocacy for nonprofits through my chair position on the AMD Community Affairs team.
I am busy and recognize that time is limited, so it is important I spend it mindfully. I am grateful when people ask for my help, but I take care to ensure my actions align with my priorities. I often help because I love to, and I am confident that I can bring unique perspectives, new ideas, and grow the groups I help while staying true to myself and my priorities. I recommend each one of you do the same—recognize your priorities and be true to them while giving back to your world.
