Connecting people to greater possibilities requires constant evolution. At AT&T, we strive to be faster, more reliable, and more efficient every day. Our teams are relentlessly innovating to deliver the best service possible.
The AT&T Operations Excellence Medal is a prestigious recognition awarded to team members who demonstrate exceptional, innovative, and distinctive contributions. This honor reflects AT&T’s commitment to innovation by celebrating individuals who uphold and advance the company’s legacy of technological progress. It highlights the importance of persistence, creativity, and a customer-focused approach in driving solutions that enhance the company’s services and capabilities.
We had the privilege of speaking with Medal recipients Josephine Vazquez-Rivera and Danny Zumwalt about the bridges they’ve built to earn this honor.
Josephine, Associate Director of Technology told us, “Success in business is fueled by building bridges instead of walls; bridges to new ways of doing things, new technologies, and new ways of thinking.”
Finding innovative solutions
While Danny and Josephine have their recent awards in common, they are responsible for very different areas of business. As a Network Operations Engineer, Danny helps keep our Fiber network running smoothly. He focuses on automation development, field deployments, and hardware and software testing. Josephine, on the other hand, is in the Security Engineering space and led the development of our Consumer Technology Platform’s Vulnerability Management Program.
“The Vulnerability Management Program has significantly improved AT&T’s security posture,” she said. “The Program fits the unique needs within our organization, better protecting internet-facing applications, driving efficiency gains and cost reductions.”
Danny earned recognition for his innovative approach to resolving a challenging defect found in some components of the AT&T Fiber Network. “The defect was causing intermittent outages and frustration for many customers on our flagship broadband product,” he explained. “By looking at the problem through a data analytics lens, I not only solved the problem but helped enhance their overall experience.”
“This recognition serves as a testament to the importance of innovation, persistence, and a strong focus on customer experience in our work,” he added.
Looking ahead
Innovation, persistence, and a customer-minded approach are keys to success in all areas of business. With those skills in their toolkits, Danny and Josephine will continue to push our products into the future. They aren’t doing it alone, though. A strong team of technologists are working alongside them – and there’s always room for more.
“AT&T has a very rich history of innovation. Just look up the list of patents born within our walls!” Josephine said. “While the foundation is strong, we also need to ensure we are building the next generation of technology leaders, and this is an excellent incubator for fresh talent.”
Danny shared this advice for those ready to make an impact in the tech space: “Hone your problem-solving and adaptability skills. Immerse yourself in the challenges around you, wherever you are. Curiosity is a powerful tool that will serve you well as you grow in your career.”
“We’re in the business of connecting people and that provides so many opportunities to drive human progress and build the future of communications at AT&T,” Josephine concluded.
Shape the future of communication with us
