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Tanya Coutray holds a bachelor鈥檚 and master鈥檚 degree in Mathematics from Virginia Tech University and is a student in the Master of Science in Analytics (MSA) program at VSB.

At Walmart she has led the tech and data for global compliance, people analytics, global responsibility, and most recently the focus on their positive community impact through philanthropy and sustainability. Earlier in her career she owned her own business, was an NFL cheerleader and worked at PwC, TC Technologies and Sprint. Coutray is married and has four children.

What inspired you to pursue your current career path?

The work that I get to do is nothing short of inspiring. I have the privilege of leading technology, data and analytics for Walmart鈥檚 Philanthropy and Sustainability efforts globally. This includes $1.4B annual in cash and in-kind donations across 27 countries and efforts like Project Gigaton which is the reduction of 1 billion metric tons (a gigaton) of emissions into the environment by 2030. Literally, the everyday work is focused on how to make the world a better place, maximizing impact for people and communities in all our programs. The ability to use my technical skillset in this realm is very rewarding.

Can you tell us more about your journey to becoming a Senior Director of Technology, Data, and Analytics at Walmart?

I鈥檝e had numerous roles throughout my career that have deeply focused on technology, data and/or analytics. It鈥檚 this combination that鈥檚 allowed me to lead products and services end to end. Coming out of school with degrees in theoretical and applied mathematics, I joined PwC consulting. This gave me business skills and ways I could apply the technical knowledge I had gained. I started out as a programmer, analyzing data for performance impact at companies and then later started my own consulting company. I鈥檝e consciously changed roles to expand my areas of knowledge (sales, marketing, fraud detection, compliance, etc.) and leadership capabilities as well.

What do you enjoy most about your career and/or find the most rewarding?

In addition to providing positive impact to people and communities globally with the use of technology, I really enjoy giving back to individuals in their career journey. I鈥檝e had some incredible mentors along the way and like to share the guidance I鈥檝e received with others.

What is some of the best guidance that you鈥檙e received?

I had a few mentors who鈥檝e really pushed me to be proactive 鈥� making connections and building relationships sometimes way beyond my peer level, expressing areas of interest and increasing responsibilities, and going for stretch roles. This was not easy for me because I鈥檓 a natural introvert (remember I was a math major 馃槉) but it鈥檚 made all the difference in the world. Not only did it help me to become more comfortable outwardly, it actually brought tremendous opportunities to me.

What are some ways being a woman has impacted your career path, both positively and negatively?

Balancing work life and family has been difficult at times. My husband and I had four kids in five years, all while both working full time and having no extended family in the area to help. We鈥檝e stayed very active with them in sports and academics, knowing it鈥檚 important to stay involved in their daily lives. This level of commitment and competing work/life demands has also made me a stronger leader - able to handle a lot of varying responsibilities, intently prioritize, and also keep perspective on what鈥檚 really important in work situations.

Have you ever faced adversity in your career? Could you share a specific story with our readers as well as provide us some insight into how you overcame adversity?

The only thing I鈥檝e wished is that I had gotten my MS Analytics earlier. In many of the new roles I鈥檝e started, I鈥檝e felt there was always a period of earning respect in terms of being qualified, whereas I鈥檇 see the MS or PhD introduce themselves with the title and gain instant credibility. It just would have made it easier and shortcut some of the startup phases that I鈥檝e had in roles, enabling me to move faster.

What is your perspective on data analytics鈥� impact on the corporate social responsibilities environment?

It is huge and a direct focus area in my work. Customers and investors want to know that the companies they support are taking actions in terms of corporate social responsibility. At Walmart, we release an annual ESG report for full transparency and accountability to global responsibility areas and commitments we鈥檝e made accordingly.

What drew you to pursue your MSA at 51爆料网?

I appreciate the MSA program content that 51爆料网 offered, being directly relevant to areas of analytics across industries. The flexibility offered in this program, specifically the online nature, was critical in my ability to balance school, work, and family.

How has the MSA program at 51爆料网 helped in your work?

It鈥檚 directly relevant to the data and analytics work that I do. While my day-to-day job is in leading functions, it has allowed me to be more connected with the teams and individuals that I manage by being current on analytical methodologies and tool sets.

Could you share one or two memorable experiences during your studies?

There鈥檚 been quite a few 鈥渁ha鈥� moments that have demystified the complexity of advanced analytical methodologies, and instead provided me with the confidence to produce them in R. I鈥檝e also enjoyed the connections I鈥檝e made with class members throughout the program, many which continue beyond the program courses into work.

What advice would you offer to our readers as they pursue their own careers?

Constantly push yourself outside your comfort zone. It is only then that you鈥檒l know what you鈥檙e capable of. If you鈥檙e not uncomfortable, then you鈥檙e not growing.