What was your first job and what did you learn from it?

My first job was a cashier position in a fast food restaurant. I was a single teenage mother and I started work the day after my sixteenth birthday (legal working age). I worked at a series of similar jobs for the next three years, usually changing employers for higher wages. At nineteen, I became the manager of a convenience store; it was in this position that I realized the limit of my current opportunities and decided to get an education.

Who is your hero, mentor or person you most admire? Why?

I admire my mother; she had the courage and strength to change our lives under the most difficult of circumstances. She opened the door to my possibilities.

Janet Urlaub was my professor and mentor in college. She always challenged and encouraged me and insisted that 'there is a light at the end of the tunnel.' She was right.

Professionally I admire Joan Patten. She was my supervisor in my first programming position. I learned a lot from Joan about professionalism and the value of a sense of humor.

What are you most proud of (either professionally or personally)?

I started life with many social and economic disadvantages. I made the best of my situation and overcame numerous obstacles to obtain an education and start a career. I am proud that my daughters will not have the same disadvantages that I had.

What advice would you give to young women who want to enter your field?

Do not let anyone discourage or intimidate you. Software is an exciting and challenging field with many opportunities, however, it is, to date, a male dominated profession. I did not always receive the support and encouragement that I expected when I chose this profession. I worried about my future and doubted myself as a result. In retrospect, I can say that these doubts were not based on my own abilities and potential. Your aspirations are your best advice, do not limit yourself to less.

What is your favorite book?

Reading has always been an important part of my life and I have many favorite books, the top four are:

• "The Norton Anthology of Literature by Women"
• "The Awakening" by Kate Chopin
• "Ideas and Opinions" by Albert Einstein
• "The Dilbert Principle" by Scott Adams

What is your favorite Web site?

NARAL and NOW.

What do you see as the single most interesting element of your work?

I would not say that any single element is the most interesting. My work encompasses a variety of skills including logic, creativity, communication, and technology. I combine all these elements into an electronic entity that accomplishes a set of tasks and solves a problem for various customers. There are always new challenges and no two days are alike. It is this process and the ever-changing technology I use that keeps my work interesting.

What was your darkest moment (professionally) and what did you learn from it?

I accepted a position with a small startup company that was not doing as well as I believed. I was laid off within three months. I had not experienced unemployment before and was shocked to find myself in this situation. The experience was a blow to my confidence and sense of security. I learned to anticipate and prepare for the unexpected. Most importantly, I learned that what seems the worst possible situation really can be a great opportunity. I do not believe that I would have been happy in that position in the long term, and I obtained a position with a very promising company that I really enjoy.

What do you do to relax?

Butterfly gardening is my passion. I spend a lot of my spare time planning, planting and watching. I also enjoy spending time with my family, reading and writing poetry.