From time to time we like to highlight the work our consultants are doing for our customers and I’m pleased to highlight one of our current consultants who is working in a particularly interesting area at Microsoft Corporation which handles accessibility.
What gets you up in the morning?
Truly, sharing and spreading love and sunshine to family, friends, coworkers and everywhere I go. People can get so caught up in the pressures of work and life that I strive to be a light and help wherever I can.
What is your current role?
I am currently working on the accessibility team for Gaming, managing the accessibility testing program and reporting. I am supporting 2 amazing accessibility professionals that have built the accessibility program in Gaming from the ground up through herculean efforts and self-sacrifice. I am truly honored at the opportunity to support such amazing people. As a part of the work, I will again be privileged to participate in the Microsoft Ability Summit this year on May 29th and 30th.This Summit brings together both internal and external individuals, highlighting the great work that Microsoft is doing, as well as, opening it up to the external audience to learn about the Microsoft inclusive culture, accessibility in the products, and a job fair for people with disabilities.
Why are you uniquely qualified for the role?
My manager said they realized they were looking for a “Unicorn” in this role – a blend of PM, technical, testing experience, accessibility knowledge, drive and passion for the space, and an innate appetite to learn, and then teach others to fish. When I switched from Ops and PM in Procurement as an FTE at Microsoft to consulting, I had the privilege of joining SMSG and IT as they started their accessibility program. I have been able to utilize my FTE and consulting experience, combined with my passion for helping others in my current role.
If there was one thing you wish you could do, what would it be and why?
While I have to have a day job, I love that I have the opportunity to take on roles that are meaningful, that make a difference. If the sky is the limit, I would pursue a creative side, remodeling and reimagining houses, refurbish furniture, and always, help others.
Which organizations do you volunteer for and why?
I currently give my free time to assisting my mom, who at 81 does not like to be called elderly, but has had just about everything done to a heart that can be done (heart attack, 5 stents, ablation, valve repair, pacemaker), and yet still has a thirst for adventure. Along with helping with a myriad of honey-do’s around her home, I take her on regular bridge hunting expeditions all over the state. I also spend time supporting my friend who is a single mom, and mother to my godson who has Cerebral Palsy, and is on the autism scale.It is an absolute joy to be so intertwined in his life and memories that I am like a second mom to him. Having the privilege to be part of his journey and watching him walk, when doctors thought he never would, and thrive in a fully integrated classroom, makes life that much sweeter.
About Ketura
I was born and raised right here in Washington state, and aside from a few years in Arizona, and more recently in Georgia and Hawaii, have always lived here.Prior to Microsoft, I worked in small companies, helping build them from the ground up, which gave the opportunity to wear many hats.As a recently single mom, I happened upon an opportunity at Microsoft in Procurement, utilizing my operations and finance background.I worked as an FTE for 8 years, and switched over to consulting in 2014, to easily move between divisions and roles in pursuit of opportunities that support work making profound differences in people’s lives.
Amaxra is a Microsoft Gold Partner and a proud winner of Microsoft’s 2019 Diversity Supplier Excellence Award which is in big part to consultants such as Ketura.