Since being named to the ASCP Forty Under 40, my career has taken a rewarding and transformative path. One of the most pivotal opportunities was being accepted into the Master of Public Health (MPH) program at UC Berkeley—an experience that profoundly shaped my professional journey.

The knowledge and skills I gained through the MPH program proved essential when I stepped into the role of Lab Director for California’s Testing Task Force. Leading a multidisciplinary team, I had the privilege of driving the statewide expansion of COVID-19 testing across more than 6,000 sites. Together, we trained over 15,000 testers and facilitated the completion of 12 million reportable tests during 2021 and 2022.

A key highlight of this role was strategically establishing testing locations in critical and underserved areas, including childcare centers, schools, homeless shelters, agricultural sites, and more. Working in such a high-stakes, high-impact environment allowed me to sharpen my leadership, coordination, and problem-solving skills.

One of my proudest achievements during this time was developing and implementing a statewide, fully automated compliance program, which dramatically elevated compliance rates to nearly 100% while significantly improving operational efficiency.

Following the successful sunset of the COVID-19 testing program with California Department of Public Health, I transitioned to my current role as System Quality Manager for Point-of-Care Testing at Sutter Health. In this position, I continue to apply and expand my leadership and technical expertise, supporting and standardizing hundreds of testing sites across Northern California.

Reflecting on my ASCP Forty Under 40 recognition, it was more than just an honor—it was a catalyst. It opened doors to opportunities in public health, strategy, and healthcare leadership, and it set the stage for the impactful work I’ve been fortunate to lead.