16 Jun Meet Loren, Section 508 Lead Analyst
In our latest Day in the Life profile, we’d like to introduce you to Loren, the Section 508 Lead Analyst for one of Criterion’s Department of Energy programs. Loren has also been working closely with Criterion’s marketing department as we improve the digital accessibility of our website and other materials. In fact, we just recently published our Digital Accessibility Statement, which Loren helped create for us.
Please describe your job: What do you do?
I work within the Policy and Governance area ensuring that the digital content our customer produces is usable by the largest cross-section of people possible, including persons with disabilities. As mentioned above, I have also begun working with the Corporate Office to improve the accessibility of Criterion’s website and pages within.
What are 5 things you do almost every day?
- Check email throughout the day.
- Usually have some kind of caffeinated beverage (soda, coffee, etc.).
- Catch up on sports or other news.
- Check for updates for my PC and mobile devices (yes, I can be a bit of a geek at times).
- Listen to some kind of musical genre.
Do you have a morning ritual? Something you do to start your day?
Well, the work-from-home policy has changed some of that for me. But I recently got myself a Nespresso machine so I usually pop in a coffee pod and then log onto work while it is brewing.
What kind of skills do you need to be effective in your role?
Patience. Tenacity. Passion. Advocacy. Understanding (i.e., compassion). Excellent verbal and written communication. The ability to speak to technical and non-technical people. Understanding the Software Development Life Cycle and how it relates to accessibility and delivery timelines. The ability to prioritize.
What do you like best about your job?
The fact that I know that what I do can have a direct impact on people’s lives – both professional and personal.
What advice would you give to someone looking to become a Section 508 Lead Analyst?
Learn to be empathetic. Keep abreast on latest trends both in the accessibility community as well as in disability advocacy in general. Be a good listener. Try to get to know others out of your “comfort zone.” Learn from the diversity around you every day.
What is the craziest/oddest job you have ever had? Something that might surprise your peers?
My first job as a teenager was working with the custodial crew cleaning, from top-to-bottom, an entire public school. I hate to admit it, but I lasted one day at that job and begged to be reassigned, which I was – to the School Board office. At that moment, I knew a university education was in my future!