I’ve worked at AU for 11 years. Before that, I led the career office at Georgetown Law.

My job is to lead 29 staff members responsible for providing career services to undergraduate and graduate students across campus. We cover most of the university except Kogod, and WCL, which have their own career offices,  and we share responsibilities for SIS with the career services team there. I also oversee the Office of Merit Awards, which is a part of the Career Center. A typical day includes lots of meetings, all with the bigger goal of helping students succeed. Much of my job focuses on relationship building both internally and externally with employers, alumni, and the campus community. My office is on the fifth floor of Butler Pavilion.

My go-to lunch spot is eating with coworkers in the office conference room. I usually make my coffee at home, but my go-to order at the Bridge is a mocha or a latte. My favorite place on campus to steal a quiet moment is the pond at the secluded Roper pocket park. Campus is at its prettiest all year, but particularly right now during cherry blossom season.

I show my AU spirit by wearing my Change Can’t Wait socks as part of my regular work wardrobe rotation. I also have a blue AU hoodie I wear when I’m traveling abroad that usually gets a lot of attention.

I found my community at AU by building connections through eating lunch and taking walking meetings with colleagues around campus. The person who helped show me the ropes is Naomi Baron, professor emerita of world languages and cultures. She gave me great advice when I started at AU: pick one or two things to change in the coming year and do it well. Then, the most important part is to throw yourself a parade to celebrate your work

My favorite day of the workweek is Thursday. You can see the weekend coming, but you still have a day to get things done. My work-from-home rituals include working from the couch, spending my usual commuting time taking a walk, and showering at lunchtime. When I’m not at work, you can find me relaxing at home in Kalorama.

My hobbies include cooking Sri Lankan dishes (my family is originally from Sri Lanka) like green bean curry or daal made with  lentils, coconut milk, and fried onions. I also volunteer at a greens vendor at the Dupont Circle farmers market. The last great meal I ate was at an authentic Sri Lankan restaurant called Machan Kitchen in London. I went over spring break with friends and we all had egg hoppers. The last great book I read was The Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. The last great movie I watched was Past Lives.

My most Washington moment was being invited to celebrate Diwali at the White House in 2012. First Lady Michelle Obama presided over an Indian ceremony, and we had the run of all the public rooms at the White House for three hours.

If I wasn’t an assistant provost of the Career Center, I’d be working in food policy or as a traveling food critic. But my job at AU is best because of my team and students. We have a great group of young people who are bright and interested in making good change in the world. They’re why I love my job.