Leadership with Accountability and Fiscal Responsibility

Discourse with Empathy and Intellect

Leadership with Accountability and Fiscal Responsibility

My recent involvement in the 2024 referendum advisory committee and chairperson of the Yes for 220 campaign has given me an opportunity to observe our district's commitment to fiscal responsibility in action. The district led the successful completion of the $147M Build 220 project with a multi-million dollar surplus during a time when inflation and construction prices skyrocketed. They enthusiastically and energetically engaged community leaders in the decision-making process for the recent $64M 2024 referendum resulting in millions in savings for taxpayers, ensuring that the funds requested would be allocated to projects prioritized by the community.

As a board of education member, I will continue to help the district establish trust with our community and create a culture of transparency and accountability by supporting financial decisions that not only elevate the quality and experience of the education system for our students, but also maximize value for our taxpayers.

Discourse with Empathy and Intellect

In an increasingly polarized political climate, I believe it's important to engage in empathetic, intellectual discourse when deciding issues that affect our education system.

I lead a global team of IT professionals representing many different cultures and belief systems, and I have gained experience leading this team through issues of pay equity, diverse hiring, and inclusivity in an increasingly competitive business climate. My experience facilitating multi-faceted, often emotionally fueled discussions in the workplace is equally relevant to educational policy exploration as our district navigates and operates within the boundaries of policy changes made at the local, state, and federal level.

We need to listen to the concerns of parents who are raising their kids in an online world of short format videos and reaction memes competing for their attention at the speed of light. We need to anticipate the social and emotional concerns of our students and prepare them for rather than instill fear of the questions and experiences they will face in adulthood. The board of education should remain a non-partisan advocate for the public school system, putting student safety and educational needs first, while also considering the impact of its decisions on our community culture and family values.

As a board of education member, I will listen, I will be thoughtful, I will ask questions, I will speak with honesty and integrity, and I will promote empathy and compassion.

Educational Background

In addition to my study of instructional theory and mathematics coursework, my masters degree program taught me one very important transportable lesson:

Having a strong support system, whether it's a loving and understanding spouse, a loyal and dedicated circle of close friends, or a network of colleagues or teammates is an essential component of personal excellence. No amount of ambition or intellectual horsepower can compensate for a lack of emotional support.

It is vitally important to teach our students how to be strong advocates for themselves and even stronger friends and neighbors to others.

Master of Liberal Arts, Mathematics for Teaching in Extension Studies
Harvard University '17

Bachelor of Science, Mathematics and Computer Science
DePaul University '06

Professional Experience

With over 20 years of experience in technical roles in Higher Education and Professional Services industries, I have a proven track record for building and leading highly collaborative teams and solving complex problems. I have learned how to welcome rather than shy away from dissenting opinion; I have learned to embrace healthy conflict to collectively achieve positive outcomes.

Director of Information Technology
Rightpoint, a Genpact Company

Software Engineer
Harvard Kennedy School of Government

Technical Lead
DePaul University

Volunteer Experience

Early in my career, I was presented with an opportunity to attend a leadership seminar featuring retired officers of the armed services. Among the many insightful messages shared by these inspiring heroes, one lesson resonates in my head:

"give back is a get from"

I have sought opportunities to participate in philanthropic and community service projects most of my adult life, and those many hours spent have been the most fulfilling.

Chairperson
Yes for 220 Campaign

Committee Member
2024 Referendum Advisory Committee

Community Program Volunteer
Barrington Area Library

Member
Barrington Lions Club

STEM Program Facilitator
The Bridge Teen Center

STEM Program Facilitator
Girl Scouts of the USA

Endorsements

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