What is your role in the Department of Internal Medicine?
I am a Post Award Grant Manager – Team Lead for the section of AIDS/Infectious Diseases in the Department of Internal Medicine.
Why did you decide to work at Yale School of Medicine (YSM)?
I was born and raised in New Haven, just a few blocks away from the Yale School of Medicine, so working at Yale was always a personal goal. My career in the medical field began in billing and collections with various organizations, but I knew I wanted more.
I pursued degrees in finance and accounting, and just a few months after earning my MBA, I was thrilled to accept a role as an Account Assistant 3 at Yale Medicine. Within six months, I was promoted to Account Assistant 4 in the collections department.
Not long after, a major contract was lost and I faced a layoff. Fortunately, the C&T summer training sessions had just begun, and I made the most of the opportunity by enrolling in every class related to finance and sponsored research. That investment paid off—I secured my first M&P role as a Post Award Administrator in the Department of Immunobiology. That position launched my career in sponsored research administration, where I’ve continued to grow, taking on roles across departments including the Yale Cancer Center, Faculty Research Management Services (FRMS), and now Internal Medicine.
How did you become interested in your line of work?
It was actually my best friend, Tanya Vitali—who also worked at Yale—who first encouraged me to explore a career in sponsored research. Given our similar educational and professional backgrounds, she thought it would be a great fit. After taking a few courses on Sponsored Research Administration (SRA), I realized she was right—this was a field I genuinely wanted to pursue.
Sponsored Research Administration isn’t something typically taught in college; it’s a niche area that many only discover through hands-on experience in nonprofit or academic work. What drew me in was how dynamic and impactful the field is. It continuously challenges me to grow and evolve while giving me a strong sense of purpose. I take pride in providing exceptional support to faculty so they can focus on their groundbreaking research. Knowing that my work plays a small part in something much bigger is incredibly rewarding.
Along the way, my experience in this field also led me to start a small consulting business. The consulting work allows me to assist local nonprofits in obtaining funding, structuring their growing organizations, and developing meaningful programming. It’s been a natural extension of my professional journey, and I’m passionate about helping these organizations build strong foundations so they can have a lasting, positive impact on their communities. Supporting nonprofits not only brings me back to my roots of community involvement but also gives me the chance to work with groups that align with my values of empowering others and breaking down barriers to success.
Have you been involved in any projects you are particularly proud of?
Absolutely—there are several projects that stand out for me. As a member of the Community Collaborative Training Committee, I helped develop comprehensive guides on Sponsored Research, covering everything from managing PI meetings to navigating K-awards. These resources have been incredibly valuable for supporting both new and seasoned administrators.
I’m especially proud of the work I’ve done with Yale’s Affinity Groups, particularly the Yale Latino Networking Group (YLNG). These initiatives are deeply personal to me because they support the very community I come from. I recognize that not everyone has access to the same opportunities or mentorship that helped me grow and break generational cycles of poverty. Being able to give back and create pathways for others is something I hold close to my heart.
Additionally, I’ve had the pleasure of working with the Internal Medicine Workplace Survey Committee, where we've focused on initiatives to improve engagement and morale within the department. It's incredibly rewarding to help create a more positive and inclusive work environment.
What is the most rewarding part of your career?
The most rewarding part of my career is knowing that the work I do behind the scenes directly supports groundbreaking research that has the potential to change lives. Being able to provide faculty with accurate, timely, and dependable administrative support allows them to focus on their research without added stress. I take pride in being a trusted resource—someone they can count on to help navigate the complexities of sponsored funding. It’s fulfilling to know that my contributions, though often unseen, are essential to the success of their work and the broader mission of Yale School of Medicine.
As a Team Lead, I also find it incredibly rewarding to help early-career professionals develop their skills and find their purpose—whether that’s here at Yale or in their future endeavors. Watching them grow, take on new challenges, and reach their potential is something that brings me great satisfaction.
What do you enjoy about working at Yale?
What I enjoy most about working at Yale is the sense of purpose and community. I’m surrounded by incredibly smart, passionate, and driven individuals who are all working toward something bigger than themselves—whether it’s advancing research, supporting students, or improving patient care. There’s always something new to learn, and the opportunities for professional growth are truly unmatched.
As someone who grew up just blocks away from campus, it’s especially meaningful to now contribute to an institution that’s had such a longstanding presence in my community. While that presence has often been questioned, particularly in terms of its impact beyond Yale’s walls, I’ve had the privilege of being involved in outreach efforts that show just how much the university gives back. From community programs and partnerships to educational opportunities and mentorship initiatives, I see firsthand the ways Yale is actively working to uplift and support the broader New Haven community.
I also appreciate Yale’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Through my involvement with affinity groups and departmental initiatives, I’ve seen how the university creates space for voices like mine to be heard and valued—both within and beyond the campus.
What is a fun fact about you or favorite pastime?
My favorite pastime might sound simple to some—but for me, it's everything: reading. Ever since I was a child, books have been my sanctuary. I remember my father building me a bookshelf to hold my growing collection, and I’d spend hours getting lost in stories that transported me to different worlds.
One of my favorite childhood memories is receiving books from my favorite aunt, who always encouraged my love for reading. She gifted me everything from collections of the Encyclopedia Britannica to Anne of Green Gables to the hilarious Ramona series by Beverly Cleary. Her gifts opened my eyes to new ideas, sparked my imagination, and gave me characters I could relate to—or aspire to become.
Reading has been more than just a hobby—it’s been a guiding force in both my personal and professional life. On a personal level, it offers me the space to escape from the realities of life, while also giving me the tools and perspective to face them head-on. Books have helped me make sense of challenges, understand different perspectives, and reflect deeply on my own journey.
It’s been a quiet yet powerful way for me to continue learning, stay inspired, and remain connected to the world around me. It’s not just a pastime—it’s a lifelong source of empowerment.
Tell us one piece of advice you will never forget.
One piece of advice that has always stayed with me is: Never forget where you came from, and always pay it forward. That wisdom came from my neighbor of 33 years, Mr. Jay Bell, a man who showed me firsthand the power of purpose and community.
When I was growing up on Redfield Street, there was an abandoned, overgrown lot that had become an eyesore in the neighborhood. Most people had given up on it—but not Mr. Bell. He saw potential where others saw decay. He turned that empty lot into a vibrant community garden, pouring his time and energy into creating something beautiful for all of us to enjoy. More than 25 years later, that garden still thrives and continues to serve as a symbol of what one person’s dedication can do for an entire neighborhood.
Mr. Bell always encouraged me to grow and find my purpose. His example taught me that no matter where you come from, you can make a lasting difference—and that success means little if you're not using it to lift others up. That lesson shaped not only how I view my career, but how I move through the world. I stay grounded in my roots, and I make it a priority to pay it forward, because I know the impact even one person can have.