March is Women’s History Month, a time to celebrate women’s contributions to history, culture, and society at large. At JMP, we’re fortunate to have some amazing women working across the division.
Celebrating JMP Women is a series where we’ll profile select women who are making a difference.
Our first profile highlights Alexa Baltazar. Working in JMP’s R&D Project and Program Management group, Alexa is a Digital Engineer and JMP’s Data Scientist. She’s also an awesome athlete, representing JMP on our volleyball, kickball and dodgeball teams and is a really interesting person as well.
Let’s learn a little more about Alexa.
Can you tell us briefly about what inspired you to pursue a STEM career? Is there a moment, early in your life or academic career that pushed you in that direction?
As a young girl, my father pushed me into mathematics and science. I have memories from my childhood of spending weekend mornings solving math problems or watching movies like Contact and Twister that featured women scientist leads. I credit my upbringing with the normalizing of women in STEM which influenced the natural progression of where I am today.
Give us a little background about yourself and your journey – where did you go to school, what did you major in, any Pre-JMP roles, etc.
I majored in Business Administration with a double concentration in Marketing & Sales at UNC’s Kenan-Flagler Business School. Upon graduation, I entered the entertainment industry as a concert marketer and eventually transitioned to an online ticketing company where I ran a digital agency that promoted concerts, fairs and festivals around the US. Through these experiences, I was introduced to marketing analytics which propelled me to join JMP in a technical marketing role.
What do you enjoy most about your role at JMP?
I thoroughly enjoy how approachable everyone is at JMP. You can go to anyone in the division with any question and they’re willing to sit down with you and chat or work through it.
What do you consider to be your greatest career achievement …or one that just makes you happy/proud?
My greatest career achievement is when Jon Weisz complimented one of my reports in JMP Live.
What do you consider to be your greatest personal achievement …or one that just makes you smile?
My greatest personal achievement is when I bought our current home at 24 years old. Fun fact – Chris & I weren’t married at the time, so I drafted up a renter’s agreement to ensure that he would pay his half of the mortgage, in case things didn’t work out. Obviously, things worked out. :smiling_face_with_smiling_eyes:
Did you have a mentor who helped you achieve academic or professional success early in your career? Who would you consider your mentor today?
I have many mentors who have helped me throughout the years, including a few that I have met while at JMP. Having an honest sounding board has helped me grow in my career and I hope that I can be that sounding board for other young women during their careers.
What advice would you give young women interested in pursuing a STEM career?
Just do it.
Baltazar Family Photo
Alexa out having fun!
Want to nominate someone for a Celebrating JMP Women profile?
Contact Larry LaRusso @ larry.larusso@jmp.com
