My professional journey has always been guided by a simple yet powerful belief: Data is one of the most transformative tools we have for solving real-world problems. Over the past 12 years, I’ve had the privilege of applying this belief across multiple industries, including navigation, transportation, retail, and education. I have also built responsible, explainable AI systems that power decisions and inspire trust.
I became a member of the American Statistical Association in 2018, when I was seeking deeper engagement in a professional community aligned with my values. The ASA offered not only a network of statistical professionals but also an inclusive space committed to advancing ethical, impactful work. Through the ASA, I’ve accessed leading-edge research, presented at conferences, volunteered at various ASA events, mentored junior data scientists, and grown through leadership and service.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my involvement with the ASA has been participating in the Women in Statistics and Data Science conferences. Submitting papers to WSDS and the Symposium on Data Science and Statistics allowed me to share insights from my work in interpretable machine learning, generative AI, and fraud detection, while connecting with a diverse, supportive group of practitioners and scholars. These events have been pivotal for my growth and underscored the power of visibility and representation in technical spaces.
My engagement in advancing women in tech extended further when I served as a session chair at the Women in Data Science Conference last year. It was an incredible opportunity to highlight emerging voices in data science and help facilitate important conversations on equity, algorithmic transparency, and interdisciplinary collaboration. I’ve always believed leadership is not just about visibility, but amplifying others, and this role exemplified that for me.
I’m also deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of data scientists and statisticians. This year, I was honored to serve as a judge for the 2025 Regeneron International Science and Engineering Fair, reviewing exceptional student projects in AI and computational sciences. Witnessing the depth of innovation and curiosity among young scientists was both humbling and inspiring, reinforcing my passion for STEM outreach and education.
Within the ASA, I serve as an active member of the Oregon Chapter, supporting programming that brings statistical learning and networking to our community. The ASA also gave me a wonderful opportunity to be a guest speaker at Oregon State University, Corvallis in October 2024. This role deepened my appreciation for the operational efforts that sustain vibrant professional networks, and it’s given me a platform to contribute to the society’s mission from the ground up.
Professionally, I am a lead data scientist at Microsoft, where I build AI-driven solutions for frontline support and device health using generative and interpretable AI techniques. My projects involve fine-tuning large language models, optimizing embedding strategies, and deploying responsible AI systems in production. My focus continues to be on building transparent, explainable AI that is trustworthy, human-centric, and scalable.
I’m also a contributor beyond the corporate sphere, mentoring students, reviewing for top-tier AI conferences, and contributing to community efforts through conferences such as NeurIPS and ICML.
Reflecting on this journey, the ASA has been a cornerstone of my professional development. It has given me the community, confidence, and capacity to evolve from a practitioner into a thought leader, educator, and mentor. The relationships I’ve built through the ASA and the opportunities to lead, serve, and share have been deeply meaningful.
To anyone thinking about joining the ASA or getting more involved, don’t hesitate. Whether it’s through your local chapter, national events, or special interest groups, there’s a wealth of support and opportunity waiting for you. Your voice matters, and your contributions can help shape the future of our field.
The ASA is more than a professional society—it’s a catalyst for growth, connection, and purpose. I’m grateful to be part of it and excited to continue this journey with a community that values both excellence and impact.
This series features ASA members who share their ASA stories. Our mission is to collect authentic and meaningful accounts of member experiences. If you have a story you would like to share, email the ASA’s marketing project manager, Kim Gilliam.
I really appreciate the honest, personal way this story is told. It’s inspiring to see someone share how their journey with statistics and the ASA community has shaped their growth, purpose, and connection with others in the field. The piece doesn’t just talk about accomplishments, it highlights the real people, relationships, and learning moments that make this work meaningful. I admire how authentic and grounded the message feels, reminding readers that our professional paths are built not just on numbers, but on curiosity, resilience, and the support of others. It’s a thoughtful and uplifting read that makes you value both the craft and the community behind it.