What inspired you to enter the commercial payments industry, and how has your journey evolved since then?

As an administrative assistant in the late '90s, the company I was employed with introduced the Commercial Card program to pay for low-cost items. I was a cardholder and then became a department liaison with the card supervisor. At that point, to me, it was just a way to make payments. As I learned more about the industry, I became intrigued about how it worked. In 2004, working for a new company, I was asked to learn to back up the program administrator, which became a full-time position. Then it got real. I was the contact with the provider, worked with the RFP process and became the face of the program. Management changes happened, and I became global program administrator for a major electric provider originally based in Toronto Canada that moved to Houston, TX.

My current employer was seeking an individual with global experience to support the companies global footprint. Now 11 years with Universal Weather and Aviation and 25 years of card experience, I support my company's domestic and G lobal Card programs.

 

How do you stay ahead of emerging trends and technologies in the Payments space?

I am always networking with others in the same industry as well as banking partners. The program administrator is the heartbeat of the program. My manager provides me with the ability to grow the programs and also support changes. As a member of IOCP, I look forward to conversing with others who have the same questions I do. We have to make things happen to make cards accepted across the world whether plastic or virtual, and we must think "outside of the box" if the provider's tools and products don’t fit our need. 

 

If you could change one thing about the Payments industry, what would it be and why?

The misunderstanding by the users and acceptors that the card is only a payment method and no different than a check, ACH or wire.

 

Who has been your biggest mentor or influence in your career, and what did you learn from them?

While at a previous company, I had a manager that was very supportive and believed in my knowledge. This gave me the confidence to stay in the industry and grow. Now at Universal Weather and Aviation, that respect continues. My knowledge and recommendations for the program are supported by David Wagganer and continue daily. His influence and support have spread the respect to my entire company.  

 

Any current challenges?

Growing the current program and attempting to eliminate the need for check payments. As a member of the vendor relations team for my company, this is a direct line to accounts payable to review payment methods to see they fit in the card payment world. 

 

What are you passionate about outside of work?

I volunteer with 4H and FFA in our area. I love to see the excitement of children working with animals and their successes.

 

What is a fun fact about you?

My father was in the Air Force, and we were based in Tripoli, Libya, during the Six Day War in 1967.