This month, the Office of Information Technology is celebrating Tasnim Budur, Specialist, Process Improvement and Change Management, who works in the PfMO team and has been with Fordham for 1.5 years. Throughout her time at Fordham, she has worked on many interesting projects and developed both professionally and personally. To honor Tasnim’s contributions, we are sharing a little about her story.
How long have you been employed at Fordham, and what roles have you held?
I have been with Fordham University since September 11, 2023, serving as a Specialist in Process Improvement and Change Management.
What’s the day-to-day of your role like?
I play a dual role in Change Management and Process Improvement, working closely with teams to ensure projects run smoothly and deliver meaningful results. In Change Management, my work spans the entire project lifecycle. I start by analyzing stakeholders, assessing impacts, and identifying risks to understand the scope of change. I finalize key documents like discovery worksheets, impact analyses, and initial communication strategies. As we move forward, I focus on developing training materials, communication plans, and strategies to ensure stakeholders are prepared for the changes. Execution also involves managing early adoption efforts, gathering feedback, and delivering training/communications. In the deployment phase, I track adoption metrics and make sure all stakeholders are ready for the transition.
In Process Improvement, my focus is on identifying and addressing inefficiencies in current workflows. I analyze processes to uncover pain points and opportunities for improvement, then collaborate with cross-functional teams to design optimized, future-state workflows. Improvements are prioritized based on impact and feasibility, and I ensure sustainable results by regularly monitoring progress through checkpoints and metrics. Throughout the process, I gather feedback, address challenges, and document lessons learned to support ongoing improvement efforts across Fordham University.
What is your proudest accomplishment in IT and/or life in general?
In IT, I’m most proud of being part of the successful launch of the Fordham RamCentral mobile app. This launch was a multifaceted effort requiring a combination of strategic marketing, stakeholder engagement, and end-user adoption planning. My approach to the app’s launch included creating targeted marketing strategies to build excitement and awareness among students, faculty, and staff. I leveraged campus events to showcase the app’s features, conducted social media campaigns to reach a broader audience, and engaged directly with students to promote the app. These efforts ensured a strong adoption rate and user satisfaction post-launch.
Outside of work, a major personal milestone has been becoming a first-time homeowner. I also recently celebrated getting married in the summer of 2024.
When you are not working, what are some passion projects/hobbies/activities that you’re involved in?
Fitness is a big part of my life—I work out six days a week and absolutely love attending group fitness classes. Some of my favorites include running, Solidcore, Orange Theory, Pure Barre, Club Pilates, and Barry’s, with Solidcore holding a special place as my top pick for an intense and rewarding workout.
Beyond fitness, I’m an avid podcast listener and enjoy diving into a variety of topics, from self-improvement and wellness to topics like investments and stocks. I find it fascinating to learn about market trends, financial strategies, and how to build long-term wealth.
As a self-proclaimed foodie, I take great joy in exploring different cuisines and discovering new restaurants. Trying out unique dishes and uncovering hidden culinary gems is one of my favorite ways to connect with diverse cultures and experiences.
Traveling is another passion of mine—I love visiting new destinations, immersing myself in local traditions, and creating lasting memories along the way. Whether it’s exploring a city, relaxing on a beach, or wandering through charming streets, traveling gives me a sense of adventure and inspiration that I carry into all aspects of my life.
How have you grown professionally while on our team?
Since joining the team, I’ve grown immensely in several key areas. Working in both Process Improvement and Change Management has given me the opportunity to develop a more holistic understanding of how IT initiatives impact people, processes, and technology. I’ve enhanced my ability to identify stakeholder needs, anticipate challenges, and create actionable plans that address both technical and cultural aspects of change.
Additionally, I’ve learned to balance strategic planning with day-to-day execution. I’ve grown more confident in leading training sessions, facilitating discussions, and managing feedback loops to ensure continuous improvement. My role has also deepened my knowledge of tools and methodologies that support project success, like conducting impact analyses, creating adoption plans, and tracking metrics to measure outcomes. Overall, my experience at Fordham has strengthened my ability to manage complex initiatives while remaining empathetic to the needs of the people involved.
What is the most unique part about working at Fordham?
One of the most unique aspects of working at Fordham is the sense of purpose that comes with contributing to a higher education institution. Every project I work on, whether it’s improving I-9 processing or the Onboarding/Offboarding processes, directly impacts the students, faculty, and staff who rely on these services.
Fordham also has a strong sense of community and collaboration. Whether working with HR, IT, or other departments, I’ve found that people are genuinely invested in supporting one another to achieve shared goals. The university’s mission to educate and serve resonates throughout the organization, creating an environment where you feel like you’re making a difference every day.
What is something fun or interesting that not many people know about you?
One fun fact about me is that I absolutely love fitness challenges and am always looking for ways to push my limits. In addition to hitting the gym six days a week, I’ve taken on everything from intense Solidcore classes to obstacle-course-style challenges. It’s something that helps me stay focused and energized both in and outside of work.
Another interesting detail is that I’m a huge foodie with a passion for exploring cuisines from around the world. Whether it’s a Michelin-starred restaurant or a hidden gem, I enjoy immersing myself in the flavors and stories behind the dishes. I even keep a running list of my favorite places to recommend to people!
Lastly, not many people know that I have a Maine Coon cat who’s practically a member of the family. He’s incredibly smart and playful, and I enjoy spending time with him when I’m not busy with work or other activities. It’s a fun way to relax and recharge.
This interview was conducted as part of the Office of Information Technology’s SpotlITe series, in which we highlight staff members who have meaningfully contributed to IT, Fordham, and beyond.