What are your primary job responsibilities?

As an administrative law judge, I conduct evidentiary proceedings (much like nonjury trials) involving disputed issues of fact. Cases range from the establishment of child support to multi-million dollar bid protests of intended contractual awards by state agencies. 

Why did you choose the MS-RMI Program at FSU?

The most appealing thing about the FSU MS-RMI program is that it is fully online – the program is perfectly designed to meet the needs of working professionals. I was also impressed that the program’s ranking of the time as No. 12 in U.S. News & World Report’s 2020 list of Best Online Graduate Business Programs. 

How did your graduate education help shape your professional experiences?

Prior to serving as an administrative law judge, I served as chief banking counsel for the state of Florida. In that role, I oversaw all legal matters affecting the regulation of domestic and international financial institutions in the state. Managing risk is the cornerstone of the banks, credit unions and trust companies I worked with. This program helped me flesh out risk management issues in ways I hadn’t before, and it helped to develop the critical thinking skills needed to thrive in today’s risk management and insurance world. 

How has working in your industry changed the way you look at the world?

Risk is everywhere! In everything! Learning how to manage these risks is an invaluable skill. 

How have you stayed connected to the FSU MS-RMI Program?

The relationships built with classmates in the risk management/insurance industry was one of the most valuable things I took away from this program. I still talk to many of my classmates now. They offer an ear to discuss issues and serve as a great network of resources. 

What advice would you give yourself in college?

Network, network, network! Get out there and meet people who will later become your co-workers and lifelines! 

Who do you admire and why?

Hands down – my mother. I was born and raised in St. Catherine, Jamaica. My family moved to the United States, like many other immigrants, for the opportunity of something greater. The U.S. has given us that and more. Without my mother, who moved here with four children in tow, I can’t say where I would be. All four of her children attended college and are accomplishing things she only hoped were possible. As a registered nurse, she worked countless night shifts in search of the American dream – and she achieved it! 

What keeps you awake at night?

My two year old. If you know, you know.