Breaking barriers and building bridges: A Marine's journey to NetApp and beyond

The significance of this time of year holds a special place in my heart, as it marks both my employee anniversary at NetApp and the commemoration of Veterans Day in the United States. As a veteran Marine, I find immense pride and fulfillment in working at NetApp, a company that values and supports individuals with military backgrounds.

In 2012, after celebrating Thanksgiving with my loved ones, I embarked on a road trip through Florida. My destination was Pensacola, where I began my journey toward Wichita, Kansas, to assume the role of a Support Account Manager at NetApp. The excitement I felt during that time was palpable. It was a new chapter in my life, filled with anticipation and the prospect of contributing to a growing company.

Little did I know that it would mark the beginning of my 12-year tenure (so far) at NetApp. Looking back, I am grateful for the experiences, challenges, and growth that have shaped my career within this remarkable organization.

From a young age, my dreams soared high, quite literally. As a child, I held a fascination for airplanes and aspired to become a pilot. It all began during a trip to Washington, DC, where I had the opportunity to visit the Smithsonian and to lay my eyes upon the iconic Kittyhawk. A story circulated within my family that claimed a connection to the Wright brothers, igniting my passion for aviation. Although the tale of my relation to the Wright brothers has since been disproven, my love for planes only grew stronger.

Immersing myself in the world of aviation, I devoured literature on the subject. Yeager: An Autobiography, by Chuck Yeager, became my companion, fueling my desire to take flight. However, I faced a unique challenge. Concentration didn’t come easily to me, and I discovered that I needed music playing in the background while doing my homework. Silence stifled my ability to focus, and my mind was a constant whirlwind of thoughts and ideas.

As a senior in high school, I eagerly attended a career day event, hoping to gain insights into various professions. To my dismay, a male recruiter convinced me of a now disproven female body limitation in flying jets. I found it perplexing that this limitation wouldn’t apply equally to men, but the recruiter failed to address my concerns adequately. His words left me with the impression that my dream of becoming a pilot was unattainable.

Determined to pursue my passion for aircraft, I made a pivotal decision. If I couldn’t fly planes, then I would dedicate myself to fixing them. With a natural inclination for mechanics, I took the necessary steps to join the U.S. Marine Corps. The seed was already planted within me, because my father had served as a Marine, instilling a sense of pride and curiosity about the Corps.

Having previously taken the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB) test in high school, I knew that my mechanical aptitude was strong. I engaged with recruiters from all branches of the military, but it was the Marine recruiter who spoke to me in a way that resonated deeply. That interaction solidified my choice to join the Marines.

Committing to a 6-year service term, I entered the Marines with the advantage of starting one rank higher than my peers, with the promise of advancing to the next rank just 6 months after completing boot camp. I would be working on aircraft. Among those who work on or support aircraft, we are affectionately referred to as “wing nuts,” an integral part of the Marine Corps’ Air Wing. During my time in the Marines, I married, and I became a parent to three children.

Transitioning from military life to civilian life can be a daunting endeavor. In a span of 18 months, I held six different jobs, each offering a unique experience. I worked as a waitress and a pizza maker, and I even sold tires at Sears. One of the positions I held involved working for a company that specialized in building baggage conveyors for airports.

However, my longest stint post-Marine Corps was with a third-party vendor for Sprint, where I provided customer service. I discovered my aptitude for communication and de-escalation. I found fulfillment in translating complex training instructions into actionable steps for individuals. Starting as an agent on the customer service floor, I quickly transitioned into quality assurance, where I listened to recorded phone calls for training purposes. These experiences allowed me to further develop my ability to work with my hands and to comprehend technical manuals. Troubleshooting became a particular strength of mine, as I relished the challenge of identifying and resolving issues.

A friend, who happened to be working for a third-party vendor for NetApp, encouraged me to consider a role in technical support. Though I possessed limited knowledge about technology, I did have a thirst for learning and adaptability. I discovered a remarkable willingness among people, especially those directly associated with NetApp, to share their knowledge and expertise. This collaborative environment impressed me and fueled my desire to pursue a career in the technology industry. The support and insights I received from individuals within the NetApp® community further fueled my growth. I was captivated by the vast possibilities and the opportunity to contribute my unique skill set.

Today, one of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is facilitating our customers’ success after they have acquired our products. As a liaison, I champion a customer’s objectives and collaborate with different teams within NetApp to drive the customer’s initiatives forward. This goal necessitates working cross-functionally and establishing effective communication channels across diverse departments.

Being part of the NetApp Women in Technology (WIT) Enterprise Business Resource Group (EBRG) further enhances my sense of pride and belonging. This group provides a platform for women in technology to connect with each other and to support and to advocate for gender equality within our organization and in the industry at large.

Through this community, we bridge gaps and foster dialogue between women in technology and other areas of the organization where our paths may not naturally intersect. The intersectionality of my identity as a woman in technology and a veteran Marine adds a unique perspective to these interactions, allowing me to contribute a diverse range of experiences and insights.

Moving forward

On this journey, we all have a role to play in supporting our customers and partners. It is important to remember the principle of “lift as you climb.” Even if someone else surpasses you in their ascent, it is a cause for celebration, because they may be breaking through ceilings that were once insurmountable. We can support and uplift one another, recognizing that our collective success contributes to a more inclusive and diverse industry.

As I commemorate my employee service anniversary this month, I am reminded of the shared dedication and commitment between veterans and NetApp. I am proud to be part of a company that values the unique perspectives and contributions that veterans bring to the table. My journey from being a Marine to becoming a member of the NetApp family has been nothing short of incredible, and I am excited to continue making meaningful contributions to the success of this exceptional organization.

Find out more about how NetApp embraces diversity and creates opportunities through EBRGs.