Abstract: My career trajectory has been anything but traditional. I accepted a tenure-track offer at Loyola Marymount University immediately after finishing my PhD, then went on leave twice to take postdoctoral positions at The Ohio-State University and the University of Chicago. After earning tenure, I participated in the sabbatical program at the NSA and am currently the Director of Educational and Outreach Activities at the MSRI (Mathematical Sciences Research Institute) in Berkeley, CA. None of this would have happened without great advice, support, and encouragement I've received along the way from my thesis advisor, mentors, parents, and even my high school band director! I'll share some of this advice and am very happy to answer any questions about my background or experiences.