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Leslie, VP, IT Operations at EAH Housing (EAH Inc.): Advize Career Interview
An interview with Leslie, VP of IT Operations at EAH Housing, provides a compelling glimpse into a career that blends technical expertise with a passion for social impact.
From managing a diverse range of IT projects to ensuring cybersecurity in an ever-evolving landscape, the role demands patience, resourcefulness, and a commitment to continuous learning.
The VP emphasizes the rewarding nature of working in affordable housing, highlighting the opportunity to provide vital services beyond just housing, like digital literacy programs.
For those considering this field, passion and "thick skin" are crucial to thrive amidst regulations and challenges.
Aspiring IT professionals can gain experience through EAH Housing's internships, focusing on systems administration or project management.
The VP credits focused graduate studies for career readiness, and as a woman in tech, strives to be a role model to inspire others to pursue their interests, regardless of perceived limitations.
This interview paints a picture of a dynamic and fulfilling career where technical skills directly contribute to improving lives and building stronger communities.
Advizer Information
Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Leslie Dabi
VP, IT Operations
EAH Housing (EAH Inc.)
UC Davis
Purdue Global University: MS Information Technology
Spanish & Other Languages, International Relations & Affairs
Real Estate
Cyber Security and IT
None Applicable
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Career Path of a Vice President IT Operations at EAH Housing
Leslie, VP of IT Operations at EAH Housing, structures the week around regular meetings with team members, department heads, and vendors to address software needs, manage IT requests via ticketing systems, and maintain strong partnerships. A key part of the role involves project management, with a focus on a year-long, pre-planned list of technical and software projects implemented company-wide, ensuring "somebody can't just sneak in and say, Hey, we wanna do this."
Main Responsibilities of a Vice President IT Operations at EAH Housing
As VP, IT Operations at EAH Housing, Leslie oversees the information systems and technology team, ensuring teams have the support and tools needed for technology, safety, and security, with a particular emphasis on cybersecurity. This role involves meeting with department leads to understand their needs, ensuring that software and systems meet those needs, and identifying opportunities to improve current systems or acquire new ones to "streamline their processes."
Most Important Skills for a VP IT Operations at EAH Housing
According to Leslie, VP of IT Operations at EAH Housing, patience is the most important skill for a role like theirs because of the wide range of technological skills across the organization; as they state, "people learn at their own pace," and IT leadership requires understanding how to introduce new technologies to both the least and most technical individuals.
Favorite Parts Of Being A VP IT Operations At EAH Housing
Leslie enjoys the "people aspect and the mission" of working for a nonprofit focused on affordable housing, contrasting it with for-profit experiences where the focus felt solely on maximizing profits; specifically, Leslie finds satisfaction in providing quality housing for those who may lack the resources to rent market-rate apartments and feels a sense of purpose knowing the money generated is reinvested into building more affordable housing. This mission-driven work provides a sense of fulfillment that was missing in previous roles, highlighting the importance of making a tangible impact on people's lives, especially those in need.
Biggest Challenges Faced by a VP IT Operations at EAH Housing
The biggest challenge for the VP of IT Operations is the "changing landscape in IT," particularly concerning cybersecurity, as the sophistication of threats rapidly outpaces preparedness. Constant learning and reacting to news of evolving threats is necessary, but anticipating and preparing for future attacks proves difficult because "things change like day to day in it."
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Nonprofit Affordable Housing Industry As A VP IT Operations
Leslie, VP of IT Operations at EAH Housing, finds the most rewarding aspect of working in the affordable housing nonprofit industry is providing comprehensive services beyond just housing, echoing their company motto that "a roof is just the beginning." From digital literacy programs for seniors, where they learn email safety and online rent payment, to after-school programs and meal programs, EAH Housing goes beyond basic housing to truly support residents' success and well-being.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Affordable Housing Industry, According To An IT Operations Vice President At EAH Housing
According to Leslie, thriving in affordable housing development requires passion, resourcefulness, and "thick skin" to navigate complex regulations, funding challenges, and negative public perceptions; EAH Housing, where Leslie is the VP, IT Operations, focuses on high quality and design to combat the misperception that "we're not here just to put up four walls."
What a VP of IT Operations at EAH Housing wishes they had known before entering the IT industry
Leslie wishes someone had emphasized that formal education, while valuable for setting expectations, doesn't fully prepare one for the dynamic reality of IT, stating, "all the years that I had in school never is gonna prepare you for the real world." Instead, the role requires constant learning and adaptation, especially now with rapidly evolving technologies like AI, where practical experience trumps theoretical knowledge.
Entry-level positions for aspiring IT Operations Professionals
EAH Housing offers summer internships in IT Operations for both undergraduate and graduate students, with undergrads often focusing on systems administration, user provisioning, or "data management," while graduate students engage in more in-depth project management roles due to the longer duration of their internships, "pretty much sits as an employee at our office part-time." EAH Housing also partners with graduate programs offering internships during vacation time as well as a longer program internship.
Significant Career Lesson From a VP of IT Operations at EAH Housing
As VP of IT Operations, a key lesson Leslie has learned is that "it's never too late to learn," especially in the ever-evolving tech field, and to understand that learning is a constant process where even employees provide opportunities to "improve on [one]self." It's important to always be learning new trends and that no one comes in knowing everything.
College Experiences That Helped a Vice President of IT Operations at EAH Housing Succeed
Leslie credits graduate school for career success, particularly the ability to "focus on a track that was specifically for the career...path that was already in," namely network security and networking, which allowed for confident communication and informed decision-making in the field. The focused curriculum of the graduate program aligned with the organization's needs, enabling the professional to "speak intelligently" about technical concepts relevant to their role.
How Identity Has Influenced A Vice President IT Operations At EAH Housing's Career
Identifying as a woman in tech, the career professional aims to be a role model, especially for those who might feel intimidated by the male-dominated field, as the professional once did, and, through volunteering and encouraging learning, hopes to inspire others to pursue their interests regardless of perceived limitations, emphasizing that "there's none" when it comes to "stupid questions". The professional recognizes the progress made, with more women in government, media, and sports, and seeks to contribute to this positive change by sharing experiences and promoting opportunities for women in tech.
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