In this episode of Career Conversations, Christine Simone talks with Venessa Ortega, director of campus budget administration at the University of Colorado at Boulder (Boulder, CO). Ortega shares her unique career journey from professional theater in Chicago to higher education finance, beginning with a BFA in Theater and six years as a professional actress before discovering an unexpected passion for Excel while working in an administrative role. This interest led her to pursue a master’s degree in accounting and eventually join the University of Colorado at Boulder’s budget office, where she has served for nearly a decade.
Throughout the conversation, Ortega discusses how her theater background enhanced her higher education career, particularly in understanding interpersonal dynamics and reading room situations. She emphasizes how skills from Commedia dell’Arte help her navigate power dynamics in professional settings, while her experience during COVID-19 budget cuts taught valuable lessons about transparent leadership and building trust through difficult conversations.
The discussion explores professional development strategies, with Ortega emphasizing the importance of curiosity in career growth. She encourages understanding the broader context behind financial decisions in higher education and credits NACUBO’s resources for ongoing learning opportunities. Her story demonstrates how diverse professional experiences can enhance leadership in higher education administration, with key advice focusing on developing deep understanding beyond immediate tasks and building authentic relationships.
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