Class of 2009 Yearbook: The Honorees

Employer: American Red Cross

LOCATION: Washington

First job: Unit clerk in a hospital

Most valuable career advice: "Be yourself. Don't try to manage like you perceive a guy would."

Favorite vice: Ice cream

Title you'd like to hold someday: IT mentor

What do you love about IT? "The application of technology to enabling business functionality."

Best mentoring relationship: "My husband, a CIO, who passed away, but continues to teach me as I recall the questions he would ask when I am seeking an answer."

Passion outside of work: "anything that takes me in or on the ocean -- sailing, scuba, kayaking, snorkeling, swimming, etc."

Your recreational best: "Reading seven novels in seven days."

Twenty years ago, I was... "older than I am today in mind and spirit."

What about you would surprise the people you work with? "That I am still searching for what I want to be when I grow up."

Leadership philosophy in a nutshell: "Above all else, stay true to my core values: Start with trust and demand integrity in myself and others. Expect teamwork. Look to excellence. Never look to point fingers but for lessons learned. And last but not least, every day do something that scares