Rose Alapatt

I discovered computer programming when I was in second grade after finding a book on BASIC programming language that my dad was using. I thought, 'this is perfect for my brain.' I was lucky to be in Bangalore, India, which was one of the IT hubs even then, so we were introduced to those technologies very early on. In India at that time, computer programming was considered a good profession for women because you were sitting in an air-conditioned room at a desk doing work, and women had a good aptitude for math and science. I started my career teaching computer programming after graduation, then worked as a programmer. I moved to Oman where I worked in law firms and oil and gas companies in administrative and IT roles, always using my IT knowledge. In 2004, I immigrated to the USA and started working in New York before moving to New Jersey. I've been working in healthcare since 2008 and currently work as a project manager at a hospital, leading about 5 projects toward a big implementation. My approach is as a servant leader - I believe in creating a collaborative atmosphere where the team can excel. I don't try to make people do work; it has to be collaborative and inspired. I work with experienced, talented people, and I take a step back to let them lead in their areas of expertise. My role is to help them hit the milestones we've agreed on together, remove roadblocks, and create an enabling environment. When it comes down to it, project management is people handling, and I do it consciously and intentionally.