What is your current role and area of oversight on staff?
I serve as the Marketing Manager for the IEEE Photonics Society. In this role, I’m responsible for enhancing the visibility, engagement, and overall awareness of the Society’s products, services, and initiatives. My day-to-day involves developing marketing campaigns, creating content for various platforms, supporting events like conferences, and managing our social media presence. I collaborate closely with volunteers, members, and staff, including a Marketing Task Force, to ensure that the work of the IEEE Photonics Society reaches both the scientific community and a broader audience. I aim to position our Society as the enabler of groundbreaking innovations in photonics while celebrating and nurturing the advances of our members.
What is your background, and how long have you been with the IEEE?
I hold a Bachelor’s in Marketing Communications and have been with IEEE for 11 years. During this time, I’ve had the privilege of holding four distinct roles across three different departments. I began in Sales Support, gaining valuable experience working with publications and customer accounts. From there, I transitioned into more project management-focused roles, working on conferences and other initiatives before finding my passion in marketing. The experience has given me a well-rounded understanding of how IEEE functions across departments. Now, I’m fortunate to apply those insights in a strategic marketing role.
What inspired you to join the IEEE and IEEE Photonics Society team?
Photonics as a field captured my interest because it impacts so many areas of life—often in ways people don’t even realize, from the fiber-optic networks powering our internet to the lasers used in medicine and manufacturing. Working in this field is ever-evolving and packed with possibilities! The opportunity to support a global community of scientists and engineers passionate about advancing these technologies drew me to the IEEE Photonics Society. The collaborative spirit between volunteers and staff makes this role even more rewarding—working with people who are genuinely dedicated to making a difference is inspiring.
What do you enjoy most about your work and/or working with volunteers?
One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is meeting and collaborating with volunteers from all over the world. Every volunteer I’ve worked with brings a unique perspective, and their dedication to giving back to the community is truly remarkable. It’s inspiring to see how they balance their careers and personal lives while still finding time to contribute to advancing the field of photonics. These interactions remind me how impactful a strong community can be. The collaborative projects we take on together, such as planning conferences or driving outreach initiatives, make my work meaningful.
From your perspective, what is a challenge that our community is facing?
One of the biggest challenges is the rapid pace of technological advancement. With breakthroughs happening so quickly, ensuring that our members have easy access to the latest information and tools can be difficult. At the same time, making this knowledge accessible to everyone—regardless of their background or location—is essential. We also face the challenge of engaging younger generations who may not fully understand what photonics is or how it impacts their lives. Bridging these gaps and staying ahead of emerging trends is critical for maintaining the relevance and vibrancy of our community.
Tell us about a professional success story you’re proud of.
One of the achievements I’m most proud of is how I’ve grown within the IEEE. I started my career in a support role in Sales, managing client inquiries and helping with publication sales. From there, I transitioned into project management roles, coordinating logistics for conferences and workshops gaining a deeper understanding of how IEEE operates. Now, as Marketing Manager, I focus on the things I enjoy most—creating compelling content, exploring innovative designs, and producing engaging videos to promote our society. Each role has been a stepping stone, equipping me with the skills I needed to excel in my current position.
What three words would you use to describe your role?
Marketing in photonics is fast, engaging, and cutting edge. It requires agility to keep up with rapid developments, creativity to design engaging content, and adaptability to pivot strategies as technology, platforms, and audience preferences change.
Tell us about your favorite IEEE memory and/or describe an IEEE experience that has had a lasting impact on you.
One of my most memorable experiences with IEEE was traveling to Finland for a hands-on meeting with the IEEE Young Professionals group. The smaller, more intimate gathering allowed for meaningful collaboration and deep discussions about future initiatives. The setting was beautiful, and being in such a close-knit environment allowed me to connect with other professionals personally and professionally. The energy and ideas that came out of that meeting had a lasting impact on me, and it reinforced how important it is to foster these types of global connections within our community.
Tell us something fun about yourself! (Hobby, secret talent, what you do for fun, etc.)
I’m a huge Pittsburgh Steelers fan—football season is my favorite time of the year! Outside of work, I enjoy staying active, whether hitting the gym, running or trying out new fitness classes. I also have a bit of a sweet tooth and can never resist a good snack, whether trying new foods or indulging in my favorite comfort treats. Traveling, especially to places with great food and culture, is another passion of mine. I always look forward to exploring new cities and experiencing different cuisines.
