IPX Congress Member Spotlight


Danielle Yockman, Manager, Manufacturing Technology & Transfer, Illumina

CM2-Professional Certification, 2020



Danielle Yockman, Illumina, IPX CongressHow did your career journey lead to change and configuration management? 
I have always been process oriented. When it comes to eating M&Ms, Skittles, or Starbursts I have to first sort the colors, then prioritize the eating order based on either fruit flavor or preferred colors, then I can eat them. Ha! So really my career journey started at a young age. I actually started down the CM path around 2003 when I worked for the Navy as a contractor. I was sort of a Jill-of-all-trades, but known for being organized and accomplishing tasks. Someone had tried updating the program CM plan and failed to finish it. So, I volunteered to do it. Now, I won’t say it was love at first sight, but it just kind of clicked for me. It seemed so obvious and common sense based as I dug into it. So I started picking up CM tasks here and there for the program.

What was your introduction to CM2?
A few years into my CM journey, a friend and mentor encouraged me to go get my CMII (see how old I am!) certification. That was around 2007. It was definitely a few weeks of lightbulb moments punctuated by “uh-oh” moments as I realized how badly we really were doing things.

How has CM2 been beneficial to your career growth?
There is no doubt that being certified in CM2 has been part of my success. It was certainly a foundational element that allowed me to grow from being a CM person, to being a CM manager, to leading all of CM for what was PEO C4I for the Navy. And without a doubt it was a key certification when I made the leap to Illumina. Since then I’ve completed my CM2P and can’t wait to see what comes next.

What’s one professional skill you’re currently working on?
I’m always working on something, but lately it’s my leadership skills. Leading a team and being responsible for their growth and development as individuals, not just as cogs in the wheel is a big responsibility. So I am always trying to stay aware of how my actions and guidance affects them.

What might someone be surprised to know about you?
Honestly, I’m not sure there is much anyone would be surprised by. I’m such a no-holds-barred kind of person, I tell everyone everything. LOL! Maybe that I was a ballerina up until I was injured in college and lost my dance scholarship.

What do you do for fun?
These days I sit on the couch and watch movies with my husband. Occasionally we go for a walk at the beach and then swim.


Back to the IPX Global Congress


WE PROVIDE THE BLUEPRINT FOR SUSTAINABLE BUSINESS AND DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION
Learn More I Disagree I Agree
This website uses cookies to improve user experience. By using our website you consent to all cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
//