2024: My Year of Challenges, Triumphs, and Transformation
Interrupting your regularly scheduled content for a little reflection time — because it’s that kind of moment. 2024 was a lot. High stress, plenty of uncertainty, and some massive opportunities thrown into the mix. It definitely wasn’t a smooth ride, it was more of a rollercoaster ride. Think sharp turns, steep climbs, abrupt drops, and the kind of views that make you pause and catch your breath. I’m not here to walk you through it month by month (because, let’s be honest, life doesn’t happen neatly on a calendar). Instead, I want to share the milestones, the moments of growth, resilience, and gratitude, that shaped a year that changed everything for me. So buckle up for the ride.
January to August: Blood, Sweat, and Tears
2024 kicked off with me entering my seventh year at Amazon as a Senior Technical Program Manager, in year two of leading the AWS Machine Learning University AI Educator Enablement Program. A program that’s been close to my heart. The mission? Partnering with community colleges and minority-serving institutions to train faculty in AI and help develop certificates and degree programs to equip underrepresented students with the AI skills they need to be competitive in an evolving market.
By August, we didn’t just meet our goals; we crushed them two years in a row. Collaborating with institutions like Houston Community College, Miami Dade College, California Community Colleges (Laney College, Santa Monica College, Evergreen College and others), and Chicago City Colleges, filled me with so much pride. Knowing we helped pave the way for students to enter the world of AI was more than a job — it was a purpose. But while I was celebrating those wins, the shadow of Amazon’s layoffs and corporate restructuring loomed large. It was like walking a tightrope: afraid that at any moment you I might be pushed off or fall.
Spring & Summer: AI Talks and Keynotes
Public speaking is my nerve wrecking happy place; an oxymoron, I know. 2024 gave me plenty of reasons to step on stage and share what I love, my knowledge of AI. This year, I had the privilege of speaking at some incredible conferences:
• ATD International Conference
• ATD Technology Conference
• LTEN Conference
• NASBA Conference
Each one was a chance to connect with people, share ideas, and fuel my passion for AI and education. One of the absolute highlights? Co-creating the ATD AI Intensive with Markus Bernhardt, Josh Cavalier and Alexandria Clapp who brought us together. Working with these brilliant minds to design a program that combines AI education with actionable tools for learning and development professionals was nothing short of magic.
Fall: Corporate Divorce & New Beginnings
By September, a big chapter of my life came to an end: my time at Amazon. The corporate divorce was bittersweet. I was pushed off the tight rope, leaving behind the comfort of a place I’d grown with, but also landing into something new and exciting. I was let go but the timing felt right. A year earlier, I had quietly restarted my LLC, testing the waters but with no real traction life and the tech world felt uncertain. After the Amazon divorce, I thought, Why not go all in? Contracts started flowing in, and three short months, I had built a rockstar team of passionate, talented people who helped bring my vision to life. What started as a scary leap turned into one of my proudest moments.
September: A Double Stevie Win
September didn’t just bring change; it brought validation. I was deeply honored to win two Silver Stevie Awards:
1. Most Innovative Woman of the Year in Technology
2. Woman of the Year in Technology
These weren’t just shiny trophies to me, they were symbols of resilience, creativity, and the incredible support I’ve had along the way. They reminded me that when you stay true to your mission and surround yourself with people who believe in you, amazing things can happen. I bestowed these awards on to my mom who has them proudly displayed in her home, an addition to the artwork I’ve created for her over the years.
October: Building the Future of AI Education
October brought another milestone that filled my heart: I joined the Applied AI National Consortia, a group of community colleges working to make AI education more accessible.
This wasn’t just continuing the mission I started at Amazon — it was leveling it up. Now, I had the chance to lead change on a national scale, helping institutions create programs that prepare students for the future of work. It felt like coming full circle, but on my own terms.
November: Launching Your AI Academy
One of my proudest achievements this year was the launch of Your AI Academy, a 7-week program co-created with Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, PhD, my brilliant instructional designer. Designed for professionals, it offers the Associate AI for Business Professional certification, preparing participants to thrive in the evolving workplace.
The academy reflects everything I’m passionate about: making AI education accessible, impactful, and practical. Our first public cohort starts on January 20, 2025, and I couldn’t be more excited to see this dream come to life.
November & December: Connection and Reflection
November brought me back to my roots. I went home to Puerto Rico to check on my mom — a visit that gave me peace and joy. I also got to spend precious time with my daughters, grounding me in what truly matters.
December has been all about family. I’ve been fortunate to visit my daughters in Connecticut and Missouri, cherishing every laugh, hug, and shared moment. And now, I’m closing out the year in Pennsylvania with my best friend, Ann Rollins.
Ann has been my constant — my rock. Even in her own moments of struggle, she’s been there with an open heart and listening ear. Her unwavering support reminds me what true friendship looks like: showing up, no matter what.
The People Who Made 2024 Possible
No success story is ever solo. This year, I was blessed with an incredible support system, including:
- Nicole Papaioannou Lugara, PhD, a fantastic partner and brilliant instructional designer who elevated every project we touched.
- Vanessa Milara Alzate from Kirkpatrick Partners, who helped me focus on measuring success in meaningful ways.
- Debbie Richards, my wise friend who has helped me find my path.
- Christopher Ellis, my fellow American who believed in me and has supported me along my journey this year.
- Jacque Burnhardt, who helped me find my voice and become a true rockstar.
- Britney Cole, for her wonderful brain, friendship, and laughts
- Kassy LaBorie, for dragging me to the National Association of Speakers Conference in Denver, CO.
- My sister, Leah Manoni, my keeper, compass, and constant source of strength.
What 2024 Taught Me
If this year taught me anything, it’s that even the toughest storms bring new beginnings. Resilience isn’t just about bouncing back — it’s about moving forward, building something better, and leaning on the people who lift you up.
2024 wasn’t easy, but it was transformative. As I step into 2025, I’m filled with gratitude for the journey and excitement for what’s ahead. Here’s to new chapters, bold goals, and the incredible people who make it all worthwhile. Let’s go!