My Doctoral Journey
Earning my Doctorate of Business Administration (DBA) was a transformative journey of growth, discovery, and deep reflection. What began as an academic pursuit became a personal mission to understand how people build their careers, find their voice, and rise through challenge.
In the first phase of my research, I listened to the stories of women in Corporate America including their ambitions, tensions, and strategies for advancement. In the second phase, I expanded the study to include both men and women, to better understand how experiences differ across genders and what those differences reveal about opportunity and equity in leadership.
Each moment captured below — the defense, the ceremony, and the research itself —represents a step along that path and a reminder of what’s possible when purpose meets perseverance.
Dissertation Defense
Turning Research Into Meaning
This was the moment everything came together after years of learning, late nights, and countless revisions. The presentation in this video distills everything into one 40-minute conversation about what the work means and why it matters.
My dissertation defense was my chance to bring the research to life, weaving together the insights, stories, and frameworks that show how professionals can transform obstacles into growth and meaning. I hope you enjoy it as much as I did!
Hooding Ceremony
A Moment of Gratitude and Joy
Crossing the stage and receiving the doctoral hood was more than a symbol of achievement. It was a moment of profound gratitude. Gratitude for the mentors who guided me, the family and friends who cheered me on, and the countless individuals whose stories inspired the research. It marked not just an ending, but a new beginning.
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I was deeply honored to open the ceremony by singing the National Anthem. The celebration took place on a beautiful, slightly rainy, morning overlooking the ocean in Malibu.
Dissertation Manuscript
Remove the Invisibility Cloak -
Let's Get Women Promoted!
This preview offers a glimpse into the heart of my research: a study exploring how professionals navigate the complex realities of career growth, how women and men experience those paths differently, and what we can learn from those stories to create more equitable opportunities for all.
If you’d like to read the full dissertation, please reach out to me directly and I'd be happy to share!
