Career Journey: What inspired you to pursue your current career path, and how has your journey unfolded over time?

I was inspired by my cousin, who majored in Advertising, when I was a teenager. I served as her model in the advertisements she created. I remember the phenomenal creative process, but what truly impressed me was the psychology behind the marketing. So, when it was time for me to make a career choice, Marketing seemed to be the right path for me. With that in mind, I decided to major in Marketing/Market Research with a minor in Psychology at Baruch College in NYC.

My career has unfolded in a linear fashion. I have been involved in all facets of the data collection process and evolving methodologies. This knowledge allows me to effectively develop methodology/sampling plans and budgets in my current role.

Professional Achievements: Can you share a specific accomplishment or project that you’re particularly proud of in your career? How did you overcome challenges and contribute to its success?

Several years ago, I managed a project where the internal recruitment team had to reach out to physicians who managed the care of patients with a very rare medical condition. The project was almost impossible to complete with a long list of very detailed requirements for the data collection piece. After multiple failed attempts to run the study conventionally, I took it upon myself to contact the physicians personally to explain the importance of their involvement and the need for in-depth research for this medical condition. Then I decided to call them every week to ensure they remained engaged. Having thought out of the box for a solution to the initial low engagement made me appreciate the human factor and the power of relationships to get the work done – Although this turned out to be more time-consuming personally, it added great value to the research and contributed greatly to its success.

Mentorship and Advice: Reflecting on your own experiences, what advice would you give to other women aspiring to excel in your field or industry? Have you had any mentors who played a significant role in your professional development?

I’ve had many mentors throughout my career – some were truly great, and some, well, not so much. But I was always determined to learn from them all. Normally, those mentors with the worst reputation (being “very hard to work with) turned out to have the most impact on my career success because they demanded excellence. Personally, that’s what I strive for, and I am grateful for those above who pushed and challenged me to become the professional I am today. So, my advice to other women is to be patient and always remain open to accepting criticism by focusing on the opportunity for growth.