Title: Construction Project Manager
Company: BCS Data Center Operations
Education: Master of Business Administration and Bachelor of Science in business administration with an emphasis in finance from California State University, Sacramento, California
Professional Credentials/Accreditations: Real property administrator (RPA: IREM); certified property manager (CPM: BOMA)
Organizational Affiliations: Women in Mission Critical Operations (WIMCO), AFCOM Women in the Data Center
Achievements/Awards:
During my career in facilities management, I observed that clients were building out critical environments, but they were not experts in maintaining those environments. I quickly learned that providing critical environments services would be a great service offering and one that I wanted to learn more about.
The critical environment space was maintained much differently than office space, as any failure of performance could cause a significant and direct economic loss to the tenant and, thus, the SLAs allowed no room for error. It was fascinating to learn about servers, server racks, data storage, transmission, electrical power management systems (EPMS). When it became apparent that few women were maintaining or overseeing these environments, I knew this niche would be an excellent career shift.
A coupld of things.
I consider myself a steward of the planet. I am enthusiastic about waste reduction and playing my role in saving our planet. I am constantly pulling recyclable material out of trash cans, I just can’t help myself! During my career, I’ve facilitated several recycling or sustainability efforts and programs, such as energy reduction, converting landfill tonnage to recycle, and converting cafeteria waste into compost for the employees.
Data transmission always fascinates me.
I am a gemologist, graduated from the Gemological Institute of America. I am passionate about gems and minerals. Tourmaline is my favorite gemstone (particularly watermelon tourmaline).
I can work easily with all levels of staff, and I operate with a deep respect for all co-worker’s contributions. I also like to consider new ways of approaching a problem. I am interested in hearing ideas and will work diligently to promote those people with unique approaches in hopes of providing the best solution to the client.
Integrity.
One of my company’s core values is Inclusion and a strong belief that diversity (in thoughts, beliefs, ethnicities, faiths, backgrounds, etc.) only makes us stronger. I am grateful to be employed by a company that shares my values and beliefs.
First, the sheer volume of growth in size, volume, scope, and role of data centers and critical infrastructure here in North America and globally.
Second, the use of technology and AI and our ability to weave it into the very personal, human aspect of the business. Technology will continue to be more pervasive and important, but it takes trained and skilled people using it, analyzing the results or outputs from it, and then acting with it that is crucial.
The integration of people and technology may be one of the most important items facing the industry.
Again, on the idea of infusion of people and technology, one of the biggest challenges may be in staying ahead and instep with the skills necessary to use technology and the ability of an organization to provide the education, training, and development programs that innovative technology will demand.