The Pathway Initiative Board of Directors consists of experts from various professions, all dedicated to advancing TPI’s mission of improving diversity in medical education and, in turn, improving access to care for communities of color across Massachusetts and the United States. This series helps us get to know TPI board members as professionals and people, learn about their experiences, and hear what drove them to get involved with TPI.
What is your educational and professional background?
I have a B.S. in Computer Science from MIT and an MBA from Babson College. After serving for 4 years in the US Air Force, I spent the next 30 years working in technology companies, primarily in Silicon Valley. Over that time I worked on various types of hardware, software, and internet services. I started in product management, which was a highly technical role within the marketing function. Eventually, I became a general marketing executive.
What made you want to get involved with The Pathway Initiative?
After returning to the Boston Area, I became increasingly involved with MIT as both a donor and volunteer. One of the programs I’ve supported in both capacities is the MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering and Science (MITES). The stated mission of MITES is “advancing access and equity in STEM through transformative, pre-college experiences.” Working with MITES, I’ve seen the real need firsthand as well as the success of the program in meeting that need. The Pathway Initiative has an overlapping mission and I hope my involvement can help us achieve similar success.
Why is increasing diversity and access in medicine important to you?
I believe diversity and access is important in every field and medicine, like many STEM fields, is one place where it is clearly lacking. Diversity and access in medicine is particularly important as patients of color report more trust, improved communications and better outcomes when seeing doctors of color.
How do you see your role on the board contributing to the growth and success of The Pathway Initiative?
TPI is essentially a non-profit “start-up.” While I have very limited experience with non-profits, I have a lot of experience with start-ups and, especially, with helping them grow. I hope to leverage this experience to help TPI grow as well.
What advice would you give to a high school or college student pursuing a career in medicine?
Not having a medical background myself, I don’t feel qualified to give specific advice. Given the hard work and challenges ahead, I’d say make sure you’re passionate about it and believe in your capacity to succeed even when things look difficult. In my profession, always keeping the customer’s needs in the forefront was critical to success so I would advise someone pursuing medicine to do the same with the patient!