Diane I have enjoyed being your friend for several years now. Gosh all the way back in the late 90s seems like a long time ago. In Cisco years that would be 20 plus years now but in human time it has been a brief 10 years. I remember trying to find out if you were the first woman to earn the CCIE and bugging Cisco and others for the information. We were only able to find two before you who earned theirs. But hey, you are the 1329th CCIE but only the third woman and that’s not bad really. With your work ethic I know you have laid hands on more technology and new gear than most geeks do in a full life time. So when you agreed to join up with me as a contributor to the CCIE Flyer, I was delighted.
Q: Why did you choose IT for a career?
A: I started out as a business major and soon realized that this is not what I wanted to do. I then went into banking for about 5 years during this time I had decided go to Technical School for Microprocessor Engineering. I graduated in Dec. 1985. My father taught Computer Science at West Chester University and suggested that I get into Data Networking since he felt that this was a growing field. I worked for a number of small startup companies and loved the industry because it was always changing and growing. I started with Bell Atlantic Systems Integration Corporation (BASIC) in Oct. 1991; my father once again was a great influence since he was retired at the time and had consulted with this company and got me the interview that changed my life. I was actually hired as a temporary employee for a 6 month period to assist them with a project. I was then hired and worked for the company for the next 12 years. During this time I received my CCIE.
Q: How did you end up deciding to pursue CCIE certifications and why?
A: In 1996 I was working for Bell Atlantic Network Integration and decided to work in the Technical Assistance Center (TAC). We were the data networking support for all the customers and CCIEs were needed to run the group. Since I had 8 years of experience in the field working on the equipment, Neil Anderson one of the managers and a CCIE suggested I pursue the CCIE certification.
Q: Was the preparation for your 1st CCIE lab difficult? What resources did you use to prepare?
A: It was a very intense process. I was very lucky because there were 6 of us preparing for the lab at the same time. We all paired off to work in teams and help each other. My lab partner Joe Walters and I worked very well together. We worked together during the day in the TAC and then studied 4-9 pm at night and all day Saturday and some Sunday’s .We did this for about 3 months after which I passed the CCIE lab exam on the first try.
Q: Did you have a professional mentor back then?
A: My professional mentor was Owen Davis a co-worker in the TAC and CCIE, who gave invaluable assistance in the Lab while we were studying.
Q: Ok. Here it comes that dreaded question about your gender. Sorry, but it is almost cliché to ask an accomplished professional, who is also a women this question. But on top of the fact that you are a CCIE you are also in an elite group within an elite fraternity in IT. CCIEs are still a population under 20,000 globally. When I was in London we had the first CCIE mixer in Tower Bridge. At this event one woman showed up. She was the de facto queen of the evening. All the guys wanted to talk with her and since she was a shy person it was a lot for her to bear. I know you are not shy, so it easier to put you on the spot. Were you treated differently over the years as a woman CCIE?
A: This has never been an issue for me I have never been treated differently by my colleagues and peers. This may be because I grew up with the industry having started in 1986.
Q: When you decided to focus on Unified Communications projects you made what I consider a great choice. What you have become is a very well known resource in this arena. I know, since I speak with so many people I have heard others mention you. I bet you did not know that huh? But my question is what prompted you to go in that direction with your career?
A: When I was still working at Verizon and felt that this was going to change the way we used the telephone. When I decided to go out on my own, I felt that this was a great way to help small business which is where I wanted to focus.
Q: How long did it take to realize you had made a good choice in your career?
A: I have to say almost immediately after 22 years I still enjoy what I do, it is still changing and challenging every day.
Q: New technology has always attracted you like a magnet. What are you favorite new toys? (Hardware, S/W, Protocols…)
A: The advancements we have made in VOIP, with Unified Communications, voice, video, and data on our cell phones and on our PCs.
Q: I recently put you on the spot when I asked you to join me and the University of Delaware as we partner up with Cisco to introduce the Network Academy Program at an all girl’s high school. What do you think are the things a young woman wants to hear that will influence them to consider Networking and Cisco certifications as goals?
A: Young women today have so many options open to them. Cisco Networking can give them a challenging and rewarding lifestyle.
Q: Do you read the CCIE Flyer? What do you like about it?
A: Yes. I like reading about what other CCIEs are doing in the business especially those that I know. Although I must say I do not always get through all the articles.
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