American Cancer Society

As the Technical Lead for Architecture & Implementation Services at the American Cancer Society (ACS), I have been instrumental in leveraging cutting-edge technologies to enhance the organization's operations. Specializing in Azure, Microsoft 365, and Power Platform technologies, my primary responsibilities involve solution architecture and architecture consulting.

Technical Lead, Architecture & Implementation Services

AI Empower

In 2023, I founded AI Empower, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting responsible and ethical AI practices. Motivated by my own interaction with ChatGPT and my desire to make a positive impact on society, I focused on fostering diversity and inclusion in AI development, advocating for regulatory frameworks that balance innovation with societal values, and facilitating the responsible use of AI tools and technologies.

Our Values:

Diversity and Inclusion: Committed to advancing diversity and inclusion in AI development, deployment, and governance to create fair and unbiased AI systems.
Accessibility and Protection: Dedicated to promoting open-source AI tools, providing training and support for responsible AI use, and advocating for policies that balance accessibility and protection against misuse.
Transparency: Advocating for the development of AI systems that prioritize explainability and transparency in AI decision-making processes.
Accountability: Fostering a culture of accountability in AI, where developers, organizations, and users are responsible for the consequences of AI systems.

By concentrating on these values and addressing gaps in diversity, inclusion, transparency, accountability, and the responsible use of AI, AI Empower aims to contribute to the AI ecosystem in a manner that promotes the most good, ensuring that AI serves the greater good in an ethical and responsible way.

Founder

Bariatric Weight Loss Family Foundation

Manage volunteer 501c3 nonprofit focused on achieving weight loss goals and post bariatric surgery support. Constituents are currently over 18,000 members. 
- Solely hand all IT infrastructure architecture and security management
- Solution, Architected and Deployed out email, website, newsletter, donation system, campaign system, thrift store, and various other technical solutions to company.
- Aligned all technology to industry standards, frameworks, and business requirements, including PCI/HIPPA/PHI/GDPR standards. 
- Setup data governance solutions
- Setup IAM (Identity and Access Management)
- Designed network monitoring solutions
- Setup SEO and all parameters under SEO
- Currently raising over 30k in donations a year in 2018, with goals at 100k for 2019 (in the green in one year)
- Manage a team of 35 managers (and the CFO) that report directly to me, and I report to 6 other Board Members

At the American Cancer Society (ACS), an organization dedicated to saving lives and researching cancer cures, I played a pivotal role in managing the Unified Communications team. Operating in an on-prem, O365, Rackspace, and Azure environment, the team focused on Office365, connected applications, SharePoint, and telephony solutions. My responsibilities included cost comparison, project budgeting, enterprise demand management, presenting project solutions to executive leadership, and creating high-level project plans. I successfully led the completion of several hundred projects while simultaneously performing regular management duties. With official Agile Project Management training, I worked in an AGILE/SCRUM environment and managed the SharePoint development team using the SCRUM methodology. My focus was on delivering cost savings and automated solutions to the organization.
Key Achievements:
•	Managed a team of 7 highly skilled professionals, using strength-based leadership to enable them to excel in their specializations.
•	Developed and managed the rollout of Office365 Office 2016, upgrading from MSI Office 2010.
•	Designed and executed the migration of spam appliance, DLP, and SMTP servers from ProofPoint to Exchange Online Protection with Advanced Threat Protection, resulting in a yearly cost saving of approximately $200,000.
•	Orchestrated the migration of personal file shares to OneDrive, reducing the data center footprint.
•	Led the deployment of Skype for Business PSTN conferencing, Audio Conferencing, and Video conferencing (3 separate projects) across the enterprise, generating $30,000/month in cost savings.
•	Implemented an automated PowerShell script for O365 offboarding tasks, saving approximately 20-30 FTE hours per week.
•	Directed the deployment of Skype for Business phone solutions (PSTN dialing) to 60 offices with failing or out-of-service PBXs, with an additional 25 offices planned for migration in 2018.

Sr Manager, Unified Communications Operations

SA IT Services

SA IT Services is a Microsoft and Cisco professional services provider, offering integration services for several cutting-edge products and technologies. SA IT is an elite partner with SHI (distribution), and a gold partner with Microsoft on several verticals, including Exchange, Lync, System Center, and Active Directory projects. Pre-sales, architect, and server engineer were common day to day roles I held. Below are some (but not all) of the project’s I’ve lead, architected and delivered:

♦	Generated Statements of work, performed presales engineering calls, and architected solutions for a variety of customer environments, from 500-30,000 users. 
♦	Architected out the new AD infrastructure for Boar’s Head meat company, providing a new domain and Exchange 2013 infrastructure and assisting with the migration. Setup cross-forest smtp namespace sharing, cross forest delivery and performed ADMT within the environment to pilot move several servers over to new forest. 
♦	Performed 2-week intensive AD remediation for Samuel Roberts Noble, a non-profit organization in middle-America.
o	Was able to reduce GPO’s from 100+ down to less than 20 GPOs. Fixed several cross denies within GPOs and cross domain replication issues.
♦	Architected out several solutions to move several clients from Exchange 200/3/2007/2010 environments up to Office365
♦	Assisted the State of Alabama with Exchange 2013 build-out, including providing lead on project with Alabama Department of Environmental Matters

Solutions Architect

Enroute Networks

Enroute Networks is an MSP firm that does Cisco, Windows Server, and virtualization. Daily tasks include: Participate in daily systems tickets including reactive and proactive services for Servers, Workstations, BDR and NAS/SAN solutions. Provide maintenance, analysis and ongoing management of current patch/AV/security management of over 200+ servers running Server 2003/2008/2012 on physical, VMware, Citrix and Hyper-V platforms. Also function as ConnectWise and Kaseya Administrator. Key Achievements include:

♦	Solely responsible for 72 physical and virtual servers both onsite, remote and colo, jointly responsible for over 200 total servers and 900 total endpoints. 
♦	Participated in design and implementation of several load balanced VMware based deployments (Vmotion enabled) as well as several Citrix Xen and VDI/Presentation Server deployments, including the main site used internally. 
♦	Wrote powershell script to automate additions of exchange/ad users to the environment so that tier 1 technicians could save time on all new employee additions. 
♦	Successfully spearheaded the project deployment of System Center 2012 including Virtual Machine Manager, Data Protection Manager and Operations Manager (SCVMM, SCDPM, SCOM) within a 40+ Server Environment
♦	Participated in IBM blade build of SQL 2012 cluster with failover and DTC through DMZ, including migration of successful backups through DPM 2012.
♦	Was able to quickly and effectively took over project managing NOC program of which manages180+ servers and 650+ workstations when key managing personnel left, resulting in zero downtime for both engineers and customers.
o	Lead project on redeployment of system in May 2013, a 75 hour project which would dramatically increase revenue, team effectiveness and automation, resulting in over $100,000 worth of saved time.
♦	Solely fixed long Active Directory Replication issue in which a 17 site client had spotty, un-reproducible replication issues for 3 years

Server Engineer

Advanced Automation, Inc.

Worked in dual role of IT engineer and project manager for small-medium size businesses providing server-side support for managed services and break/fix work. Worked as a Connectwise/Quosal Project Manager, redeploying out the foundational software and creating business processes related to the work. Implemented three major software deployments and worked as a remote and hands-on tech for network server-side support of clients.

•	Re-deployed Connectwise, Labtech and Quosal, creating processes and documentation on its proper use.
•	Provided timely server-side support for senior level issues requiring remote or onsite attention
•	Supplied network level support including port forwarding and opening (inside,outside), DHCP and network monitoring
•	Facilitated the renewal and management of DNS records, SSL certificates and managed service agreements
•	Managed the redeployment of SharePoint 2010 from 2003 utilizing database attach methods due to its fragmented upgrade path

Senior Engineer / Project Manager

Robert Half Technology

Staffing professional with experience in IT recruiting. Currently specializing in Technical Support and Recruiting for Robert Half Technology. Technical Staffing Support including, but not limited to: Help Desk, Technical Support, Desktop Support, Network Administration, Cisco, Windows 7, Project Management, Network Engineers, SAN, Citrix, Active Directory, System Administrators, PC Technicians, Project Coordinators, and Technical Writers 

•	Provide hands on desktop support to all office staff, escalating Citrix Client errors to offsite IT department as needed
•	Recruiting, hiring and placing IT professionals in project, contract and full-time positions with our clients
•	Providing the highest quality customer service to both clients and candidates
•	Managing ongoing engagements to deliver outstanding customer service to both clients and candidates
•	Strategizing with teammates to accomplish weekly business growth goals
•	Participating in industry trade associations to increase our presence within the local IT community
•	Constantly utilize an ongoing ability to leverage technology experience to manage and grow the business

Recruiting Manager / Technical Support

TCLI/ Globecomm Corporation

Project Management and Technical Support over high priority client in a satellite engineering firm. Managed 1300+ main sites with a 700 site additional rollout. Regular duties included approving and coordinating dispatch of help desk tickets, developing estimates and plans for new sites, and working with field technicians to repair and maintain client equipment

•	Managed Remedy Ticketing system as primary database administrator. 
•	Built and administered internal SharePoint Site for Bank of America project.
•	Troubleshoot and resolve system and network connectivity issues to ensure optimal performance.
•	Created, administered and maintained accounts and distribution lists to interface properly with Bank of America Project Management
•	Planned and executed network changeover from Merrill Lynch to proprietary Bank of America VSAT telenetwork
•	Documented and maintained accurate configuration information including procedures to support daily activities and related processes. 
•	Managed and distributed work orders to over 200 satellite technicians internationally, providing tier II escalation support when needed
•	Provided on-call support, 24x7. Logged and resolved open user helpdesk tickets in Remedy and customer proprietary ticket tracking system.

Project Manager / IT consultant

TELEVISTA

Managed 100,000+ clients with ranging technical issues, including fiber optic TV, Internet, and VOIP home and business telephone systems. Worked in a fast paced ticketing queue system, and participated in on-call rotation to support the business. Solved practical problems and dealt with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists

Demonstrated technical proficiency in network operations.  
Acted as a point of reference for the team on technical issues.
Ensured effective operation, maintenance and development of the network.
Implemented complex hardware and software upgrades to meet capacity

Tier II Help Desk Support

Founder at AI Empower. PhD ABD. Disclosure: I use human-in-loop AI as an assistant in managing this profile. Don't worry- the sass is all me 🤘🏻

My mission is to be a beacon of knowledge, discipline, kindness, and resilience. Dedicated to positive change, innovation, lifelong learning, and health equity in cancer care, I strive to uplift diverse communities and inspire high standards in myself and others.

I’m happy to share that I’m starting a new position as Assistant Instructor at Choes HapKiDo Martial Arts!

Cassandra Ansara

In a world that champions diversity, how are we fostering inclusion in our workplaces? 🌍🤲 
 
The journey towards creating an inclusive environment is not just about setting diversity targets. It's about genuinely understanding and valuing different perspectives, breaking down barriers to inclusion, and ensuring everyone feels they belong. Empathy, inclusivity, collaboration, and emotional intelligence are the cornerstones of a truly diverse workplace.  
 
Creating a culture of inclusion is not the responsibility of one but the duty of all. How are you contributing to building this environment in your space? Join the conversation and let's share ideas on moving forward together.

People-centric approach: More than just a buzzword. 🌐👥 
 
In the field of technical architecture, design systems can be complex. However, the most potent ingredient to success isn't a new piece of technology or platform. It's the human element. 
 
✔️ Developing solutions that understand user needs 
✔️ Encouraging transparency and open communication  
✔️ Fostering a culture where workers feel valued and empowered 
 
The power of people-first leadership in shaping successful, resilient systems cannot be overstated. 
 
Do you agree? How do you ensure your organization puts people first and technology second? Let's get the dialogue rolling! 📣

aka "Madame Architect" - Digital Architect, Leader. True humility is staying teachable regardless of how much you already know

I am thrilled to begin my journey as a new assistant instructor in martial arts, where I have the opportunity to witness firsthand the profound impact of discipline, self-discovery, and empowerment on our students. As I evolve alongside our students under expert mentorship, each session offers invaluable lessons in personal and community growth.  
 
🔍 Key Takeaways:  
 
🌱 Cultivating discipline and personal growth  
 
🌟 Facilitating empowerment through self-discovery  
 
🤝 Strengthening community ties  
 
https://lnkd.in/dCQDnaFS 
 
#Leadership #PersonalDevelopment #CommunityEngagement  #hapkidoforlife, #MartialMonday #trykarateclasses

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In the era of remote work, how strong is your team's virtual rapport? 🌍💻 
 
The shift to remote work has tested the resilience and adaptability of teams worldwide. But it has also opened opportunities to redefine what collaboration and teamwork look like in a digital age.  
 
🔹 Building a strong virtual team requires more than just daily check-ins; it demands a foundation of trust, open communication, and shared goals. 
🔹 Virtual coffee breaks, online team-building activities, and clear communication channels can help bridge the physical gap. 
 
Let's not forget, the strength of a team lies not in its physical proximity but in its ability to collaborate effectively, regardless of where each member is located.  
 
How do you foster a thriving virtual team environment? Let's share strategies! 🚀

Thinking of implementing a chatbot? ⚙️🤖  
 
The era of customer experience optimization is here, and chatbots are playing a huge role. They're transforming our concept of customer service and enabling businesses to operate 24/7! 
 
Yet, it's not all plug-and-play. A good chatbot requires strategy - understanding your user's needs, script planning, testing... the list goes on. 
 
So before you rush into it, let’s discuss the ins & outs of effective chatbot implementation and management. Good strategy always precedes success! 🎯 Share your own thoughts/experiences with bots below! 👇

Design is not always about perfection. It's about satisfaction, and you can have high standards without seeking perfection. 
 
Consider you're designing the UI for the newest Mars Rover. Every pixel and user interaction must be flawless. A misplaced color here, a delay in response there, could spell disaster. In such cases, extreme attention to detail and perfection is not just helpful, it's necessary. 
 
But what if you aren't designing for Mars? What if you are working on the user experience of a mobile phone app or constructing a consumer website? Is there the same need for total perfection? 
 
Often, we designer types tend to overshoot, sweating over the minuscule details, treating it like we're landing rovers on Mars. This is not the optimal way. 
 
At the start of your design journey, set a clear 'satisfaction threshold'. Define the requirements and problems your design needs to address. 
 
As you dive deeper into your project, once you find a solution that ticks all the boxes, take a pause. Going beyond, in search of the 'perfect' design, can be an unwarranted strain on your creativity and time. 
 
Problems are abundant. Solutions, not so much. Therefore, focus on meeting your set criteria and move forward to your next challenge. 
 
Remember, 'good enough' is sometimes all it takes. 
 
Now, how do you set your 'satisfaction threshold' in your design process? Let's discuss in the comments.

Do you know the one skill that separates a good leader from a great one? 🤔 
 
 Transparency! When leaders are transparent, they build trust, foster open communication, and create an environment where everyone feels valued. 👥 
 
 But often, transparency is mistaken for oversharing. It's not about revealing every detail. It's about sharing what matters - company values, objectives, struggles, success stories. It's about honesty and integrity!  
 
So how can Leaders enhance this vital skill? Here are some tips: 
1️⃣ Foster a culture of openness 
2️⃣ Share both good and bad news 
3️⃣ Accept mistakes - they’re part of the journey! 
 
Remember: Through transparency, you inspire honesty, accountability and commitment within your team. A transparent leader sets the stage for a transparent organization! 🌟 Let me know your thoughts below!

Navigating the complexities of diversity and inclusion can feel like a tightrope walk. 🚶‍♂️ 
 
Embedding these principles into the DNA of an organization goes beyond policies and quotas. It requires a genuine shift in mindset, encouraging us to look beyond our biases and appreciate the tapestry of perspectives that each individual brings to the table. 
 
By fostering an environment where every voice is heard and valued, we lay the groundwork for innovation, creativity, and a culture that thrives on mutual respect. This isn't just about doing what's right; it's about driving our businesses forward in the most enriching way possible. 
 
How are you making strides in weaving diversity and inclusion into the core of your organization's culture? Let's share insights and strategies to uplift each other in this crucial journey. Together, we can turn challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation.

A new research article dropped in CA! A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 📕 Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States, 2019

📝 Study Highlights:

- 40% of cancer cases in U.S. adults (30+) are due to modifiable risk factors
- About 50% of cancer deaths are linked to these factors

Key risk factors include:
🚬 Cigarette smoking
⚖️ Excess body weight
🍷 Alcohol consumption
🏃‍♂️ Physical inactivity
🍔 Poor diet
🦠 Infections

Take action: Address these risks and get timely cancer screenings to reduce your risk!

View company: American Cancer Society Journals

Just published in CA: A Cancer Journal for Clinicians 📕 Proportion and number of cancer cases and deaths attributable to potentially modifiable risk factors in the United States, 2019 https://lnkd.in/egQ7cfED

This new study led by researchers at the American Cancer Society finds four in 10 cancer cases and about one-half of all cancer deaths in adults 30 years old and older in the United States (or 713,340 cancer cases and 262,120 cancer deaths in 2019) could be attributed to modifiable risk factors, including cigarette smoking, excess body weight, alcohol consumption, physical inactivity, diet, and infections. Cigarette smoking was by far the leading risk factor, contributing to nearly 20% of all cancer cases and 30% of all cancer deaths.

“Despite considerable declines in smoking prevalence during the past few decades, the number of lung cancer deaths attributable to cigarette smoking in the United States is alarming. This finding underscores the importance of implementing comprehensive tobacco control policies in each state to promote smoking cessation, as well as heightened efforts to increase screening for early detection of lung cancer, when treatment could be more effective,” said Dr. Farhad Islami, senior scientific director, cancer disparity research at the American Cancer Society and lead author of the report, in a press release. 

Emily Marlow Blake Thomson Harriet Rumgay Susan Gapstur Alpa Patel Isabelle Soerjomataram Ahmedin Jemal

In the digital world, what sets apart high-performing teams? It's a People-First Mindset. 🌟 
 
At the heart of innovative solutions and groundbreaking technology lies a fundamental truth: it's all about the people. From design to deployment, keeping the end-user in mind ensures that technology serves, empowers, and elevates human experiences. 
 
This approach encourages: 
1️⃣ Designing with empathy and inclusivity. 
2️⃣ Prioritizing ease of use and accessibility. 
3️⃣ Building on feedback to create truly valuable digital solutions. 
 
In transforming the digital landscape, let's remember the core principle: Technology for People, by People. 💡 
 
Who's with me on championing a People-First Mindset in all our digital endeavors? 🙌

Accountability: A hallmark of effective leadership! 💪 
 
We often talk about vision, strategy, and innovation as the cornerstones of leadership. Rightfully so, but let's not forget about accountability. 
 
True leaders own the results, whether they are triumphant victories or tough lessons. They don't shy away from taking responsibility for the pitfalls or passing on the credit where it’s due. 
 
Here's why accountability matters: 
✨ It builds trust - Transparency breeds credibility. 
💡 It boosts morale - Owning mistakes fosters a culture of learning. 
🚀 It drives performance - Clear expectations lead to effective execution. 
 
Accountability isn’t easy, but it is essential. How do you foster accountability within your teams? I'd love to hear your strategies and experiences below!

Just finished the course “Creating Your IT Strategy”!

Just finished the course “Introduction to IT Architecture”!

Just finished the course “Streamlining Your Work with Microsoft Copilot”! #microsoftcopilot #artificialintelligenceforbusiness #productivityimprovement

(In May) I finished the course “Ethics in the Age of Generative AI”! #responsibleai

Accountability: The cornerstone of success in leadership. 🏆 
 
Just imagine, a world where every leader accepts responsibility for their actions and decisions, regardless of the outcome. Now that's a game-changer!  
 
Accountability promotes integrity, builds trust, and establishes credibility. It influences every action we take, from the smallest task to the largest project: 
 
💡 Creates a proactive work culture - It encourages individuals to step forward, take initiatives and make bold decisions. 
⚖️ Balances empowerment & responsibility - Accountability goes hand in hand with empowerment. It allows leaders and teams to own their decisions and actions. 
🌈 Fosters resilience - Leaders who are accountable can learn from their mistakes, making them more resilient in the face of adversity. 
 
Remember, great leaders don't blame others for their mistakes; they own them.  
 
What does accountability mean to you? Let's discuss this essential trait of successful leadership further! 👇

The courage to lead, the mindset to succeed!👩‍💼💡 

Leadership is more than just having authority and making decisions; it's about creating an environment where innovation thrives and teams excel. Let's delve in: 

🔑 Business Acumen: As a leader, understanding the nuts and bolts of your business is crucial. Stay informed, stay relevant.

🔑 People-First Mindset: Empathy and understanding form a strong bond with your team. Remember, people drive businesses forward.

🔑 Strategic Approach: Make your plan, but remain flexible to change. Adaptability is a mark of great leadership.

In conclusion, leadership isn't a title or a position; it's about taking accountability, nurturing talent, and fostering an environment of transparency and trust.🤝

What are some key leadership principles you never compromise on? Let's share our wisdom below! 👇

 #madamearchitect #leadershiplounge

Lead & Succeed!

In the fast-paced world of tech, staying adaptable isn't just an option; it's a necessity. 🌐 
 
As Digital Solutions Architects, we navigate a constantly evolving landscape, where today's cutting-edge solution could become tomorrow's old news. Adaptability means not just being open to change but actively embracing it, seeking out new technologies, methodologies, and strategies with enthusiasm and curiosity. 
 
But here's the kicker: adaptability also requires resilience. The ability to bounce back from setbacks, to learn from them and forge ahead even stronger is crucial in our field. 
 
Let this be a call to arms: Cultivate adaptability and resilience like they're your most prized skills. Because in reality, they are. What strategies do you use to stay flexible and resilient in the face of change? Share your thoughts and let's grow together!

Taplio

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