Four years ago this month, I met Himaja Nimmagadda at a Women in Economics Conference at the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond. I liked her energy and infectious laugh.
Himaja reached out just as she was about to graduate from Virginia Commonwealth University with a bachelor’s degree in economics and gender and women’s Studies and a minor in medical humanities.
Her training in economics and women’s studies made her a good fit for WISER’s mission. I hired her as a research assistant.
Inclusive Mentoring
Shortly after she joined WISER, we got funding for the Inclusive Peer Onsite Distance (IPOD) Mentoring Program to mentor alums from the American Economic Association Summer Training Program (AEASTP) hosted by the Economics Department at Howard University. As a recent economics graduate, Himaja would have invaluable insight into what participants would need to pursue a doctorate in economics. So, I promoted her to the associate director of IPOD.
During her tenure, Himaja created assessment surveys for mentors and mentees and then matched mentees and mentors based on research interests. She has been the point person for scheduling their Graduate Records Examination preparatory course and has negotiated great prices for IPOD and WISER swag.
Himaja negotiated with DoorDash to get AEASTP participants DashPasses during the pandemic, which allowed students to have meals during brown bag research seminars. If you used a food delivery service during the pandemic, you know having a system in place for nearly 40 people is not a small feat.
She is phenomenal at stablishing procedures.
Stop Phishing
In May, Himaja completed a Master of Engineering degree in cybersecurity policy and compliance. Today, Himaja begins the next phase of her professional career – cybersecurity consultant. I am thrilled that she agreed to have WISER on as one of her first clients.
Please join me in offering a heartfelt THANK YOU and best wishes to Himaja.
