40 Shades of Nude Birthday Soiree'

In May 2003, I stood at the podium as both Senior Class president and Valedictorian, the culmination of years of hard work and determination. My speech, written with the same care I gave to everything I did, was a reflection of my journey—one marked by perseverance, curiosity, and a relentless pursuit of excellence.
Behind me were the memories of countless hours studying, leading, and challenging myself. In front of me was a future full of promise. I had been offered five prestigious presidential scholarships (Alabama A&M University, Alabama State University, Miles College, Talladega College, & Tuskegee University), each a testament to the effort I had poured into my high school years. But the decision had been clear: I chose Tuskegee University, a place that felt like the perfect next step for my academic journey. As I spoke to my classmates that day, I knew this was just the beginning of something even greater.

In August 1997, I walked into Central High School as a peewee; small in a sea of new faces, the youngest in the hallways buzzing with energy. The building felt enormous, the upperclassmen towering like giants, but I was not intimidated. I knew what it was like to face challenges and rise above them.
Navigating this new environment was like learning a new puzzle. There were new rules, new teachers, and new expectations. But as I moved through the unfamiliar hallways, I stayed focused. I leaned into my studies, determined to prove myself again, just as I always had. Though the school was new, my drive and resilience remained the same. I was ready for whatever came next.

As an elementary school student, I thrived in every classroom I entered. Math problems became puzzles I eagerly solved, while stories in reading class sparked my imagination. Science experiments fascinated me, and I loved uncovering the "why" behind everyday things. Whether it was art, history, or gym, I dove in with the same determination, always wanting to do my best.
By the time I reached the end of my school years, that curiosity and drive had paid off. In May 1997, I stood before my classmates as valedictorian, a title earned through years of dedication. It was a moment that marked not just my academic achievements, but the spirit that had fueled me all along—the love of learning and the desire to excel in everything I touched.

In December 2016, I took the step that I had been contemplating for years: I came out as a proud member of the LGBTQIA+ community. For the longest time, I had wrestled with my identity, torn between societal expectations and my true self. The pressure to conform weighed heavily, but the desire to live authentically became too strong to ignore. That Christmas day, I decided to stop hiding and let the world see me for who I truly was.
Telling my mom was nerve-wracking. I feared her reactions, but I knew I could not live in the shadows any longer. To my surprise, the response was overwhelmingly supportive. While not everyone immediately understood, those who mattered most stood by me. Their acceptance fueled my confidence and reminded me that being true to myself was not something to fear, but to celebrate.
Coming out was more than just a moment; it was the start of a new chapter in my life—one filled with pride, self-love, and community. I finally felt free, no longer bound by the fear of judgment. December 2016 marked the beginning of my journey toward fully embracing the person I was always meant to be.

My thirst for knowledge never waned after earning my undergraduate degrees. I knew there was more to learn, more to achieve. So, I continued my journey, pursuing higher education with the same passion that had driven me throughout my life. In December 2009, I obtained my Master of Business Administration (MBA) degree in Information Systems from Troy University, expanding my expertise beyond finance and accounting. But I was not finished. In May 2011, I proudly earned my Master of Accountancy (MAcc) Degree from Alabama State University, solidifying my mastery in the field.
During this time, I felt a deep desire to give back to the community that had shaped me. I returned to the Lowndes County Public School System, serving as the lead mathematics instructor, guiding young minds with the same dedication that had fueled my own academic journey. It was my way of paying it forward, helping the next generation find their own paths to success.
Just as I was settling into this rewarding role, an opportunity to spread my wings once again presented itself. In May 2011, I was offered a full-time position with Lockheed Martin Corporation in the Washington, D.C. metro area. It was a chance to take all I had learned and apply it on a larger stage. Though leaving home again was bittersweet, the call for new challenges and growth was too strong to resist. My journey continued, driven by the same unyielding thirst for knowledge and opportunity.

Walking across the stage at Tuskegee University, adorned in cap and gown, I felt the weight of years of dedication and sacrifice pay off. I graduated magna cum laude, with dual Bachelor of Science degrees in Accounting and Finance—a double achievement that had pushed me to my limits but taught me the true meaning of discipline and focus.
As I accepted my diplomas, I knew the opportunities waiting for me were just as significant as the moment itself. I had received three full-time job offers, each a reflection of the hard work I had poured into my studies. In the end, I chose Raytheon Company, drawn by the challenge and opportunity to grow even further in a dynamic environment. My journey at Tuskegee had prepared me for this next chapter, one filled with excitement and promise.

On a bright, crisp day in Charlotte, NC, I stood proudly at my commencement ceremony, surrounded by close friends and family. The moment I was officially hooded as a Doctor of Business Administration felt surreal; years of hard work and perseverance culminated in that single, powerful gesture. As I walked across the stage, the cheers from my loved ones echoed through the room, filling me with gratitude and pride. This was not just my achievement; it was theirs too. That day marked the beginning of a new chapter, and having those closest to me there made it truly unforgettable.

Becoming the first doctor in my family was a journey filled with both triumph and adversity. Earning my Doctor of Business Administration with a focus in Accounting was not just an academic achievement—it was a deeply personal milestone. Growing up, higher education seemed like a distant dream, and the idea of pursuing a doctorate felt almost unattainable. Along the way, I faced many challenges: long nights of studying, financial hurdles, and moments of self-doubt. There were naysayers, too—those who believed that someone like me could not reach such heights. Their skepticism only fueled my determination.
“Hotter than five degrees,” I joked, but it was more than just a phrase. It was a reminder that despite the pressure and heat of the journey, I emerged stronger and more resilient. Each obstacle became a stepping stone, proving to myself and others that no dream is too big when backed by hard work.
Now, as the first doctor in my family, I see myself as a role model for those who come after me. For those daring to dream big, I stand as proof that breaking barriers is possible. I hope my journey inspires others to push through doubt and reach their highest potential.