Ana Lozoya Herrera, Manager, IT Services Project Management Office

Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Mexico City. They say that home is where the heart is and today my heart is split between Mexico, Saskatchewan, and Alberta. My post-secondary journey began at Universidad Panamericana in Mexico City. I hold an Industrial Engineering bachelor's degree, and as part of my program, I had the opportunity to go on exchange to the University of Regina for one semester. During my exchange program, two very important things happened that led me to where I am today: I met my best friend and now husband and I took my first project management class. After that semester, I went back to Mexico, finished my degree, enrolled in a post-graduate certificate in project management, started my professional career in IT projects, and maintained a long-distance relationship for four years. In 2012, I got an incredible job opportunity in Regina as an IT consultant. I lived there for four more years and got married. None of that was easy, but it was worth it! When I was a university student, I had the opportunity to work in the career centre for the Faculty of Engineering. That job ended when I graduated and I made a promise to myself that, at some point in my career, I would work at a higher education institution again.

How long have you been at the U of L and what do you do here?
I joined the U of L in February 2016. I am the manager of the Project Management Office in IT Services. I work with a team of talented project managers and business analysts and our main role is to provide resources to manage and oversee many ITS projects. We are also responsible for defining and maintaining project and portfolio governance and management processes. Among various projects, I am currently managing the multi-phase project to improve uLethbridge recruitment websites. This project requires collaboration with many stakeholders and leaders across the institution and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead this important endeavour.

What’s the best part of your job?
The best part of my job is the daily realization that everything we do will in some way impact someone's academic education. This inspires me and moves me to give my absolute best at my job. I personally know how important and defining were the years I spent as a university student and I wish that for every student at the U of L.

What’s one thing most people don’t know about you?
I have a couple of things to share here!
My new favourite activity is hiking — my husband, my dog and I love going on little adventures here in southern Alberta and B.C. I am not very good at it yet, but I am learning so much!
I am the current president of the Rotary Club of Lethbridge Mosaic. I am a chartering member of Mosaic and it has been a great opportunity to meet new friends and to give back to the local and international communities.