Childhood
"I think the fact that I was always praised for being good at math and science really ignited something in me that made me want to continue to learn it. As I got further and further into high school I discovered it was challenging, but I like that challenge."
Annamarie's fourth and fifth grade teacher, Mrs. Heisler, was a mentor to her early on.
High School
Annamarie is a first-generation college student and had the support of teachers, who saw something in her, and encouraged her to go to college.
College
"In order for me to fit in, I really had to have connections with the network of people who could be my support system and my family away from home, and SHPE gave me the opportunity to do that."
Post-College
Annamarie worked at IBM for 17 years out of college and went back to school for her MBA.
Current
Annamarie believes that without SHPE, she never would have left Colorado, traveled to different states, attended conferences, learned how to be professional or work as part of a team.
"My mother had never been on an airplane before, so taking her on her first trip with me to Mexico for a business project was pretty amazing. I even called her out to the pilot and she got her wings. 'Hey Mom we're going someplace. We're actually leaving Colorado and you're getting on a plane.' That was really special for me."
Annamarie has a passion for service and leadership. She has been on the board of the SHPE Colorado chapter for about six years. Her other passion is animal rescue, fostering dogs, as well as acting as the Navy Operational Support Center Ombudsman for the Denver NOSC, a liaison between the military families and command.
"I don't know how not to be SHPE. SHPE is in my blood. SHPE is in my heart and I don't know why people would not want to join SHPE. And as many people know, you don't have to be Hispanic, you don’t have to be an engineer, you just really have to support our mission and our vision."
"The biggest thing about SHPE is it’s going help you with your self growth. It's going to help you become more aware of what's going on in a corporate environment. SHPE provides you with a lot of opportunities for professional development, mentoring, and networking. It’s really about that involvement that gives you the background to be able to jump into a corporate environment and stand out."
Advice
"My advice would be: don't care too much about what other people think, step out of your comfort zone, get involved, and give back. Do what makes you happy. The money, satisfaction and the rewards, they will all come."