Get to know a fellow URMIAn through our member/volunteer profile series
What Is Your Current Role and Institution, and How Long Have You Been There
I am the director of risk management at Rice University, where I've been for six years and am loving it! My peers across our unit and colleagues within the university are outstanding collaborators, risk-conscious, and they fully embrace Rice's core values of Responsibility, Integrity, Community, and Excellence. I feel fortunate to work with such committed colleagues and to serve the institution.
How Did You Find Your Way into Higher Ed Risk Management
I entered higher education risk management through a personal connection. At the time, she was a biosafety specialist in the Environmental Health and Risk Management Department at the University of Houston. After conversations about our respective roles and how they intersected with risk management, I shared my interest in moving to the "client side" of the profession. When a risk management administrator position opened at the university, she reached out - and the rest, as they say, is history!
What Motivated You to Volunteer with URMIA
URMIA has been foundational in shaping my professional journey - from building a strong network and expanding my technical knowledge through education and peer connections, to strengthening my communication and leadership skills. Anytime I can give back to an organization that has helped inform, support, and uplift me - and that represents such a fun, kind, and caring community - I'm happy to volunteer my time and energy. I'm excited to continue doing more for this wonderful organization.
What Is One Small Action That's Made a Big Difference in Your Risk Management Work
Asking questions - and doing so with confidence - is one small action that has made a big difference in my work. Creating space for curiosity helps normalize learning and encourages others to speak up. When one person asks a question, many benefit from the answer. I embrace the philosophy that "curiosity isn't a weakness - it's one of the strongest tools we have." Here is a good book I have enjoyed reading on the topic: Questions Are the Answer: A Breakthrough Approach to Your Most Vexing Problems at Work and in Life.
What's a Favorite Campus Tradition at Your Institution
Beer Bike! Luckily, we embrace the philosophy that Everyone is a Risk Manager, which means student leaders, risk management, emergency management, environmental health and lab safety operations, facilities, the police department, and many others all have a seat at the table to support this iconic tradition safely.
Insights Home
#InsightsArticle