Q: How long have you worked at Rice?
A: A little over two years.
Q: What is your favorite part about working for the university?
A: The diversity and getting to interact with staff and students from different backgrounds and nationalities.
Q: What do you want people to know about living in Houston?
A: It’s always unpredictable. One day it could take you 10 minutes to drive 5 miles, and the next day it could take you 30 minutes. You just never know.
Q: What do you do in your downtime?
A: Hang out with friends and family, spend time with my husband and work on my event-planning business.
Q: What’s your favorite spot on campus to show someone?
A: The azaleas by the Multicultural Center to see all the different colors.
Q: What’s the most exciting time of year for you as it relates to Rice?
A: The fall when the leaves start to change and we get that first cool front. The trees covering the walkways change, and it’s just a pretty time to walk around campus.
Q: What’s the one thing that makes Rice special to you?
A: The willingness that staff have to help one another and just check in to see how their day is going.
Q: What do you enjoy most about your job?
A: Being able to ensure an easy and comfortable interview process to our candidates when they apply for a position with the Kinder Institute.
Q: What are your hobbies and interests outside of work?
A: I enjoy traveling to new places and trying new things. I also like to go see musical theater productions.
Q: What advice would you give to new employees?
A: To take a breath and soak it all in. Your time will go fast, and the next thing you know, it’s already been a year or longer.
Q: Would you share a bit about your background and career journey?
A: I have more than 10 years of experience in the higher education field. I started my career at the University of Houston in the College of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. While working in the chemistry department, I began my passion for human resources. I enjoy onboarding new employees and making sure they feel welcome and are set up for success.
Q: What’s your favorite lunch spot or snack?
A: My favorite lunch spot would be Local Foods at Brochstein Pavilion, and my favorite snack would be Bucee’s spicy trail mix and the mixed sour ball assortment.
Q: What’s your secret talent?
A: As my co-workers would say, being prepared for the zombie apocalypse.
Q: What’s one piece of advice you would give to your younger self?
A: To take a breath and slow down — time flies by way too fast.
Q: If you could be Sammy The Owl for a day, what would you do?
A: Go around campus and hand out coffee to staff and greet students.
Q: How would you describe your experience as a Rice employee?
A: Coming from a public institution, it has been much quieter and easy going compared to a major state institution, which is nice because it gives you a chance to take a breath and not be so stressed.
Q: Where do you see Rice in 25 years?
A: I can see Rice being a well-known research hub and expanding its campus to be the No. 1 university in the United States.
Q: What’s your favorite memory from your time with Rice?
A: Being able to facilitate two faculty searches and meet some incredible individuals from other departments and institutions.
Q: Describe Rice in four words or less.
A: Innovative, welcoming, driven, comradery.