At the end of the day, it's your life.
 2
00:00:02.769 --> 00:00:05.238 There are expectations that, yeah, people are going to want you to meet.
 3
00:00:05.238 --> 00:00:07.407 But at the same point in time, the real expectation
 4
00:00:07.407 --> 00:00:09.109 behind all that going to school
 5
00:00:09.109 --> 00:00:11.444 is they want to make sure that you can provide for yourself.
 6
00:00:11.444 --> 00:00:13.046 They want to make sure that you can take care of yourself.
 7
00:00:13.046 --> 00:00:14.647 They want to make sure that you can handle yourself.
 8
00:00:14.647 --> 00:00:15.582 At the end of the day,
 9
00:00:15.582 --> 00:00:17.050 parents might want to see that degree,
 10
00:00:17.050 --> 00:00:18.985 but they want to just make sure that you're okay.
 11
00:00:18.985 --> 00:00:20.920 They want to make sure that you can be an adult.
 12
00:00:20.920 --> 00:00:22.155 So what's more important?
 13
00:00:22.155 --> 00:00:23.256 Fighting for a piece of paper
 14
00:00:23.256 --> 00:00:25.358 that might put you $120,000 into the ground
 15
00:00:25.358 --> 00:00:27.627 and you realize you hate it, or just finding a career path
 16
00:00:27.627 --> 00:00:30.597 that's going to allow you to take off and do what you want to do,
 17
00:00:30.663 --> 00:00:31.731 make it work for you.
 18
00:00:31.731 --> 00:00:34.234 It needs to work for you before it worked for anybody else.
 19
00:00:34.234 --> 00:00:37.404 So sit there, plan it out, look at it, research it,
 20
00:00:37.404 --> 00:00:39.105 figure out what you really want to do.
 21
00:00:39.105 --> 00:00:42.208 Figure out how it's going to work for you and then go with it.
 22
00:00:42.208 --> 00:00:44.044 Don't worry about what you currently know.
 23
00:00:44.044 --> 00:00:45.412 Worry about what you want to know.
 24
00:00:45.412 --> 00:00:47.847 We all started at some point in time with nothing.
 25
00:00:47.847 --> 00:00:49.682 So push.
 26
00:00:49.682 --> 00:00:52.018 One of the main reasons I tell people to get your stuff out there
 27
00:00:52.018 --> 00:00:54.754 in front of as many people and to look, is because you don't know
 28
00:00:54.754 --> 00:00:58.124 if there is a better option that better fits you unless you look.
 29
00:00:58.124 --> 00:01:00.026 The biggest thing that I've learned from this program
 30
00:01:00.026 --> 00:01:03.496 and from programs like this, is you get to dictate your own path.
 31
00:01:03.496 --> 00:01:06.332 So this is the jump that you want to make, and this is the thing you want to get.
 32
00:01:06.332 --> 00:01:09.169 Go ahead and get it. What's stopping you from getting it?
 33
00:01:09.169 --> 00:01:11.671 Don't be your own barrier.
 34
00:01:11.671 --> 00:01:14.707 If you're happy with where you end up and how you're going
 35
00:01:14.707 --> 00:01:15.775 and what you're able to do,
 36
00:01:15.775 --> 00:01:19.045 that's the only thing you can really look at for success.
 37
00:01:19.045 --> 00:01:23.516 I've worked with a lot of people my age, older than me, younger than me,
 38
00:01:23.883 --> 00:01:27.220 and have seen everybody kind of attack every situation differently.
 39
00:01:27.320 --> 00:01:29.622 I've had people where it's like, I've been here
 40
00:01:29.622 --> 00:01:33.093 20 years, and I love the fact that I'm here because you love your job?
 41
00:01:33.293 --> 00:01:36.796 No, because my job gives me everything I want so I can be happy on the outside.
 42
00:01:37.197 --> 00:01:38.731 How is that not success?
 43
00:01:38.731 --> 00:01:42.535 Success isn't six figures hitting a million.
 44
00:01:42.569 --> 00:01:45.371 Success isn't a million followers and a bunch of people
 45
00:01:45.371 --> 00:01:47.307 watching every little motion that you do.
 46
00:01:47.307 --> 00:01:49.209 It's are you happy with where you are?
 47
00:01:49.209 --> 00:01:51.544 And are you doing the things you want to do?
 48
00:01:51.544 --> 00:01:52.378 That's success.
 49
00:01:52.378 --> 00:01:55.715 That's freedom of living, and that's what all of us want.
 50
00:01:56.015 --> 00:01:57.784 We just want to be able to live
 51
00:01:57.784 --> 00:02:00.787 the way that I want to live and do the things that I want to do.
 52
00:02:00.820 --> 00:02:01.788 Realistically.
 53
00:02:01.788 --> 00:02:03.690 As long as you're happy, as long as things are going
 54
00:02:03.690 --> 00:02:07.160 in the direction that you want, success is a never ending thing.
 55
00:02:07.160 --> 00:02:08.194 You're going to be successful
 56
00:02:08.194 --> 00:02:11.698 every day in a different way as long as you keep striving and pushing.
 57
00:02:11.965 --> 00:02:14.000 It's not a sprint, it's a marathon.
 58
00:02:14.000 --> 00:02:15.502 It's a marathon that you enjoy.
 59
00:02:15.502 --> 00:02:19.439 Enjoy the road, enjoy the run, enjoy the scenery as you're going.
 60
00:02:19.439 --> 00:02:21.608 Because to me, that's more of the success.
 

It would be great if you could get a little bit of both the traditional education experience and certifications. However, you can definitely get an IT job and do it well based solely on certifications. I recommend thinking about whether you want to be the person doing the job or the person creating the next big thing. If you're the former, I'd look at training programs, certifications, and hands-on experience. If you're the latter, it would be good to go to college.

I start my day reviewing systems and tackling projects like implementing new billing tools or refining ticket processes. I keep our IT department running smoothly, making sure tools and teams work together. No day is the same. There’s always a system to fix, a process to improve, and a goal to hit, and I thrive on solving problems that keep the firm moving forward.

Information Technology Manager

You have to go to college. That's the right thing to do if you want to be successful.

Individuality

Success

You Get To Dictate Your Own Path

IT's great, but a lot of this stuff ends up being more of who you know
 2
00:00:03.737 --> 00:00:05.672 and the people that you can get introduced to.
 3
00:00:05.672 --> 00:00:08.408 So a big takeaway from this program is you get a mentor,
 4
00:00:08.408 --> 00:00:10.377 you get to talk to recruiters, you get to kind of like
 5
00:00:10.377 --> 00:00:12.412 get your feelers out there to start talking to people.
 6
00:00:12.412 --> 00:00:13.380 That's what you need to do.
 7
00:00:13.380 --> 00:00:16.416 Try to get your resume in front of as many recruiters as you possibly can.
 8
00:00:16.449 --> 00:00:18.284 Talk to as many recruitment firms as you can,
 9
00:00:18.284 --> 00:00:20.153 because at the end of the day, that's their job.
 10
00:00:20.153 --> 00:00:23.523 Their job is to try to land you a spot so they can end up getting their paycheck.
 11
00:00:23.556 --> 00:00:24.958 So talk to them.
 12
00:00:24.958 --> 00:00:25.992 Don't be shy about it.
 13
00:00:25.992 --> 00:00:27.927 LinkedIn is a giant resource for that.
 14
00:00:27.927 --> 00:00:30.030 Throw all of your information there.
 15
00:00:30.030 --> 00:00:31.131 Put your resume there.
 16
00:00:31.131 --> 00:00:32.766 Like I said, if you have a GitHub any of that stuff,
 17
00:00:32.766 --> 00:00:36.870 put it all there and try to do everything you can to modify
 18
00:00:36.870 --> 00:00:39.873 your LinkedIn so that it's pulling up in as many search feeds as possible.
 19
00:00:40.106 --> 00:00:43.510 Every job that I've gotten after IT Werks was through LinkedIn
 20
00:00:43.510 --> 00:00:45.211 or through a recruiter that just found me.
 21
00:00:45.211 --> 00:00:48.214 Try to learn as early as possible how you learn.
 22
00:00:48.348 --> 00:00:50.283 If you're a person where you can just shove your face
 23
00:00:50.283 --> 00:00:52.485 in a book and learn and pick everything out of the book
 24
00:00:52.485 --> 00:00:53.820 and that works for you, that's great.
 25
00:00:53.820 --> 00:00:55.722 If you're a person that's hands on, that needs people
 26
00:00:55.722 --> 00:00:58.158 that needs group activity, make sure you understand that.
 27
00:00:58.158 --> 00:01:00.360 So that way when you're trying to learn, it works for you.
 28
00:01:00.360 --> 00:01:01.161 That's how I am.
 29
00:01:01.161 --> 00:01:02.262 I want to do everything.
 30
00:01:02.262 --> 00:01:05.265 Touch everything, actually get the chance to touch it, but also do it with people.
 31
00:01:05.265 --> 00:01:06.866 Because collaboration just works better for me,
 32
00:01:06.866 --> 00:01:08.768 because I can bounce ideas off of people.
 33
00:01:08.768 --> 00:01:11.971 So I can't say which one is better, but you can.
 34
00:01:12.072 --> 00:01:14.674 Figure out what works for you because at the end of the day,
 35
00:01:14.674 --> 00:01:16.810 that's the real way that you end up succeeding.
 36
00:01:16.810 --> 00:01:18.278 Everything is about really understanding
 37
00:01:18.278 --> 00:01:20.180 yourself and learning what works for you best.
 38
00:01:20.180 --> 00:01:21.347 What path do you want?
 39
00:01:21.347 --> 00:01:23.149 How are these things going to work for you?
 40
00:01:23.149 --> 00:01:25.151 Might be scary and again, might be nervous
 41
00:01:25.151 --> 00:01:27.754 because you got to sit there and actually ask yourself those questions.
 42
00:01:27.754 --> 00:01:30.857 But you can answer those questions when there's nothing to be afraid of anymore.
 43
00:01:30.890 --> 00:01:32.992 There's nothing to be nervous about anymore. It's all right.
 44
00:01:32.992 --> 00:01:33.793 This is what I want.
 45
00:01:33.793 --> 00:01:35.895 This is what I need. This is what I need to go after.
 46
00:01:35.895 --> 00:01:37.597 This is the direction I need to go.
 47
00:01:37.597 --> 00:01:40.166 And now I can be honest with myself on what I want.
 

Self-Reflection

Advice For People Trying To Get A Job In IT

What's some final advice that you would have for, like someone like me
 2
00:00:03.236 --> 00:00:06.239 or even younger, who are like trying to take that next step?
 3
00:00:06.539 --> 00:00:09.676 I would first of all, say remain steadfast to who you are.
 4
00:00:09.776 --> 00:00:13.179 Don't be ashamed of where you come from, who you are, etc.
 5
00:00:13.213 --> 00:00:14.881 because confident in who you are.
 6
00:00:14.881 --> 00:00:17.984 I would say as a major introvert, that confidence thing
 7
00:00:17.984 --> 00:00:21.121 is something that I always struggled with, to shrink myself down.
 8
00:00:21.121 --> 00:00:23.189 But there's brilliance everywhere.
 9
00:00:23.189 --> 00:00:26.860 And so don't be afraid to show and let your brilliance shine.
 10
00:00:26.860 --> 00:00:30.864 And then make sure you surround yourself in your circle with people that you know
 11
00:00:30.864 --> 00:00:34.034 have your best interests at heart, that are not only going to support you
 12
00:00:34.034 --> 00:00:37.637 and push you when you need to be, but also will call you in
 13
00:00:37.637 --> 00:00:41.474 when you do misstep and make mistakes because they want the best for you.
 14
00:00:41.474 --> 00:00:44.411 So you want to make sure that you surround yourself with that real tight circle.
 15
00:00:44.411 --> 00:00:45.645 That you know through thick and thin,
 16
00:00:45.645 --> 00:00:48.748 no matter what they want, what's best for you as a human being.
 17
00:00:48.848 --> 00:00:52.285 Tell them that you care about them and love them on a regular basis,
 18
00:00:52.285 --> 00:00:54.020 and make sure that their cups are filled,
 19
00:00:54.020 --> 00:00:57.123 and then make sure that they are also pouring into your cup as well.
 20
00:00:57.123 --> 00:01:01.861 Because in this literally disaster area of a world that we're in right now,
 21
00:01:01.995 --> 00:01:05.765 you have to have a tight knit circle that keeps you just kind of centered.
 22
00:01:05.765 --> 00:01:08.735 And also, just like I said, just be confident in who you are.
 23
00:01:08.735 --> 00:01:11.438 We're all uniquely put on this earth to do something.
 24
00:01:11.438 --> 00:01:14.541 So be confident in who you are and know whatever that vision
 25
00:01:14.541 --> 00:01:17.877 that you have to do whatever in your life, do whatever it takes.
 26
00:01:17.877 --> 00:01:19.379 Be relentless in that pursuit.
 27
00:01:19.379 --> 00:01:21.948 Even if people bash you, put you down.
 28
00:01:21.948 --> 00:01:23.950 Like I said, for me, coming from PE,
 29
00:01:23.950 --> 00:01:26.286 people were like, oh, she's just a PE teacher. Nobody cares.
 30
00:01:26.286 --> 00:01:28.621 And now look where I am because I sat there
 31
00:01:28.621 --> 00:01:31.624 and I said, I have a vision for wanting to revolutionize education.
 32
00:01:31.624 --> 00:01:34.494 I want things better for my kids and other kids.
 33
00:01:34.494 --> 00:01:39.032 And so don't let people kind of hamper whatever that vision that you have to make
 34
00:01:39.032 --> 00:01:40.033 the world a better place.
 

2025 SXSW Conference
Interviewed in Austin, TX but works in Atlanta, GA USA.
advanced-degree
career-change

I work at the intersection of racial justice and tech, aiming to close gaps for marginalized students in technology and computer science. I support teachers with professional development, help students explore their dreams, and uplift parents’ voices in education. I help build community in classrooms, expand access to computer science, and empower young people to thrive with honesty, confidence, and joy.

Director of CS Equity Initiatives

Confidence

Support & Encouragement

Be Confident In Who You Are And Find People To Support You

What would you say was like or is a huge, thing to know
 2
00:00:04.838 --> 00:00:07.907 or like a mindset that you think you should have,
 3
00:00:09.009 --> 00:00:12.012 going into or navigating young adulthood?
 4
00:00:13.513 --> 00:00:15.548 This is another really great question.
 5
00:00:15.548 --> 00:00:16.182 First of all,
 6
00:00:16.182 --> 00:00:20.253 when you think about purpose and the, the anxiety that a lot of people
 7
00:00:20.253 --> 00:00:25.225 your age feel in trying to find it, explain it and expect to be judged on it.
 8
00:00:25.225 --> 00:00:27.827 Keep in mind that the jobs that you'll all have
 9
00:00:27.827 --> 00:00:30.830 when you're my age probably don't even exist yet.
 10
00:00:31.164 --> 00:00:33.733 Not only the opportunity but the likelihood
 11
00:00:33.733 --> 00:00:37.971 that your idea of what you can do and how you want to get
 12
00:00:37.971 --> 00:00:41.741 there is going to continue to be inventing itself,
 13
00:00:41.875 --> 00:00:44.811 and you're going to be working with that as you
 14
00:00:44.811 --> 00:00:48.848 mature as a person and as a professional going forward.
 15
00:00:48.848 --> 00:00:50.550 So there's just that as a fact.
 16
00:00:50.550 --> 00:00:54.654 And then I would also say that the idea that you need
 17
00:00:54.654 --> 00:00:58.525 to define yourself by what you think we value.
 18
00:00:58.525 --> 00:01:01.561 And so what they'll choose to do or not do in order to think
 19
00:01:01.561 --> 00:01:05.398 about the college process is actually like a real sacrifice
 20
00:01:05.398 --> 00:01:09.402 of the biggest superpower that you all have, which is individuality.
 21
00:01:09.803 --> 00:01:14.207 That is the biggest standout thing that could be in an application.
 22
00:01:14.741 --> 00:01:17.744 And just by nature of being human on the planet,
 23
00:01:17.744 --> 00:01:21.381 nobody else occupies the exact same space in the way that you do.
 24
00:01:21.948 --> 00:01:24.584 So thinking about
 25
00:01:24.584 --> 00:01:27.821 what you want to call forward that is uniquely you.
 26
00:01:27.921 --> 00:01:30.757 Is one of the strongest things you can do as you're
 27
00:01:30.757 --> 00:01:33.993 making choices through high school and in college and beyond right?
 28
00:01:33.993 --> 00:01:36.896 Which is being really true to your own self.
 29
00:01:36.896 --> 00:01:41.101 And one of the things that I have talked about related to the work that I do
 30
00:01:41.434 --> 00:01:45.505 is, as I keep making decisions to stay in the work,
 31
00:01:46.106 --> 00:01:49.809 the work I'm doing changes because the environment around me changes.
 32
00:01:49.809 --> 00:01:51.244 The schools where I've worked have changed.
 33
00:01:51.244 --> 00:01:53.446 The level of responsibility I have has changed.
 34
00:01:53.446 --> 00:01:57.117 But I have never had to work against myself to do the work.
 35
00:01:57.117 --> 00:02:00.320 The work I want to do is so aligned with what
 36
00:02:00.753 --> 00:02:03.423 gets me excited and energized.
 37
00:02:03.423 --> 00:02:06.392 It manifests itself in the work I get to do professionally,
 38
00:02:06.392 --> 00:02:10.897 but it's what manifests in my life outside of work as well is a great guide.
 

2025 SXSW Conference
Interviewed in Austin, TX but works in Philadelphia, PA USA.
advanced-degree

Every day is different but my work routinely consists of a lot of meetings. In a typical day, I may meet with our student leaders. Then I'll meet with our financial aid office to understand and shape our benefits and strategy. I could also be in a meeting with my senior leadership team. I lead a team that manages everything from application reading to nationwide outreach, all aimed at making college more accessible and inclusive. It's fast-paced and very collaborative work.

Vice Provost and Dean of Admissions

Embrace Your Individuality

What advice would you
 2
00:00:02.369 --> 00:00:03.803 have for
 3
00:00:03.803 --> 00:00:08.008 new writers who are trying to find their footing in writing,
 4
00:00:08.008 --> 00:00:11.444 or even kind of find confidence and be able to be vulnerable?
 5
00:00:11.578 --> 00:00:13.680 To be a writer, you just write.
 6
00:00:13.680 --> 00:00:15.048 To be a writer, you just write.
 7
00:00:15.048 --> 00:00:19.452 And it sounds so trite and simple, but to be a writer,
 8
00:00:19.452 --> 00:00:22.789 you have to write in a way where you don't sanction yourself.
 9
00:00:22.789 --> 00:00:27.594 When I say that, that you are not worrying about editing and proofreading,
 10
00:00:27.794 --> 00:00:32.766 that you are letting flow free what it is in your heart and mind to write.
 11
00:00:33.066 --> 00:00:36.136 And from there you begin to learn what is important to you.
 12
00:00:36.136 --> 00:00:37.871 There are different types of writers that are out there.
 13
00:00:37.871 --> 00:00:40.774 There are some that are published through a publishing company,
 14
00:00:40.774 --> 00:00:42.342 some who have ghost writers.
 15
00:00:42.342 --> 00:00:44.110 So they're not even writing these books.
 16
00:00:44.110 --> 00:00:47.747 There's some people who self-publish, and everybody's journey is different.
 17
00:00:47.847 --> 00:00:51.718 You have to do what works for you, and you don't know who that is
 18
00:00:51.985 --> 00:00:56.022 unless you allow yourselves to write and let things come for you to,
 19
00:00:56.022 --> 00:00:59.626 really know what your voice is and what you care about, you know?
 20
00:00:59.793 --> 00:01:01.261 Everyone doesn't care about the same thing.
 21
00:01:01.261 --> 00:01:04.097 Everyone should not care about the same thing,
 22
00:01:04.097 --> 00:01:07.901 because then we wouldn't have people advocating in different areas
 23
00:01:07.901 --> 00:01:11.805 and having different roles that are very important for us to progress as a people.
 24
00:01:12.005 --> 00:01:17.005 What is something that you would want all of us, and for the other students
 25
00:01:17.377 --> 00:01:20.914 watching, to take away from your legacy?
 26
00:01:21.014 --> 00:01:25.351 For anything that you are intending in pursuing.
 27
00:01:25.351 --> 00:01:30.351 It's going to be, some level of challenge or, some gap between what it is
 28
00:01:31.324 --> 00:01:35.061 that you know, and what is required for you to do a good job.
 29
00:01:35.428 --> 00:01:40.428 And rather than be discouraged by that, I would say take that on as a challenge.
 30
00:01:40.900 --> 00:01:44.437 Know that just because you're not the best as soon as you start it,
 31
00:01:44.737 --> 00:01:46.739 does not mean that it's not for you.
 32
00:01:46.739 --> 00:01:47.941 Give yourself a chance.
 33
00:01:47.941 --> 00:01:52.941 But on the other hand, on the same token, if something is not working out
 34
00:01:53.680 --> 00:01:57.283 to the point that it is causing you some type of mental distress
 35
00:01:57.450 --> 00:02:00.520 or physical distress, then setting boundaries
 36
00:02:00.787 --> 00:02:04.357 is something that you have to begin and repeatedly do.
 37
00:02:04.557 --> 00:02:08.294 Because what happens when we do something repeatedly, it becomes what?
 38
00:02:08.394 --> 00:02:09.295 A habit.
 39
00:02:09.295 --> 00:02:11.564 A habit, second nature, a behavior.
 40
00:02:11.698 --> 00:02:16.369 So we want to start engaging in ways that we're creating behaviors
 41
00:02:16.469 --> 00:02:19.606 that we consistently engage in become practice.
 42
00:02:19.772 --> 00:02:22.408 And that becomes then what we have a skill in.
 43
00:02:22.408 --> 00:02:25.812 And so I just want you to give yourselves a chance, give yourself grace.
 44
00:02:26.045 --> 00:02:29.249 Everything is not going to be easy at first, and that's okay.
 45
00:02:29.349 --> 00:02:32.485 But, still have some idea of knowing
 46
00:02:32.485 --> 00:02:36.623 that you have the ability and the agency to say what is for you.
 

To be a writer, you just write. Write in a way where you don't sanction yourself—you're not worrying about proofreading or editing. Just let whatever is in your heart and mind flow free. From there, you'll start to learn what's important to you.

I teach at Coppin State University on Mondays, Wednesday, and Fridays during the semester. I perform poetry as commissioned. On any given day, I am also scheduling gigs, writing daily, grading papers, teaching workshops, facilitating public programs, and engaging with the public virtually and in-person.

Poet Laureate

Advice For People Interested In Writing

Did you know from childhood that you wanted to be interested in law?
 2
00:00:03.036 --> 00:00:05.572 Because I know that you said that your dad was big on community service.
 3
00:00:05.572 --> 00:00:08.408 And I know that, like, presents in multiple ways.
 4
00:00:08.408 --> 00:00:09.809 No, I didn't even know
 5
00:00:09.809 --> 00:00:11.211 I was going to get elected.
 6
00:00:11.211 --> 00:00:14.381 I never thought of myself as a elected official.
 7
00:00:14.647 --> 00:00:17.017 I always thought it was somebody else, you know.
 8
00:00:17.017 --> 00:00:18.184 First I didn't want to do it.
 9
00:00:18.184 --> 00:00:21.187 But my friends and colleagues said, what, are you, crazy?
 10
00:00:21.254 --> 00:00:22.555 This is your opportunity.
 11
00:00:22.555 --> 00:00:24.758 But we have to change our perceptions.
 12
00:00:24.758 --> 00:00:29.496 People from our communities, you know, we should run for elected office. Why?
 13
00:00:29.496 --> 00:00:33.666 Because we bring a different perspective to the legislature.
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00:00:33.666 --> 00:00:35.969 Like, for me, it was like three for one.
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00:00:35.969 --> 00:00:39.205 I bring a perspective as a woman, as someone who knows
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00:00:39.205 --> 00:00:42.409 my district, but also one of an immigrant community.
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00:00:43.009 --> 00:00:46.880 And, when we have more inclusion, it makes for better laws.
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00:00:47.514 --> 00:00:50.016 Laws that really help everybody.
 

Volunteer in your community and be engaged. Talk to people and understand what their issues are, then figure out how you can help. Get involved with elections. Even if you don't have a goal of running yourself, it's still good experience to get involved.

I was bullied in middle school because I looked different than my peers. It affected my self-esteem and my grades. I don't want any other children to go through the same thing, so I've targeted discrimination as one of the focus issues in my career.

As Secretary of State, my work is a fast-paced mix of diplomacy, policy, and advocacy. I focus on making Maryland a global leader by strengthening ties in business, education, and international cooperation. Every day, I work to protect communities from cyber threats, combat human trafficking, and champion justice. My role is about action—connecting people, driving change, and making a lasting impact.

Secretary of State

The Asian American community does not matter because they don't vote.

Culture

Bringing Diverse Perspective To Government

I'm really interested to see like what you kind of see as the future for,
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00:00:05.105 --> 00:00:08.108 I don't know, increasing access and like diversity, equity,
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00:00:08.108 --> 00:00:12.846 and inclusion in the higher ed space and how you think we could do a better job
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00:00:12.846 --> 00:00:13.947 of like getting more people
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00:00:13.947 --> 00:00:17.751 that look like us to realize that like you can be successful, you know,
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00:00:17.751 --> 00:00:20.720 going through like the higher education path is not the only path, right?
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00:00:20.720 --> 00:00:22.856 But it's just a tried and true method. Yeah.
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00:00:22.856 --> 00:00:27.560 I think going back to what I shared, this is always sort of information asymmetry.
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00:00:27.560 --> 00:00:30.196 What do people think professors do?
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00:00:30.196 --> 00:00:33.333 And I think we're not all a monolith as like
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00:00:33.333 --> 00:00:36.836 black men or people coming into undergraduate.
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00:00:36.836 --> 00:00:38.772 We're coming from different places.
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00:00:38.772 --> 00:00:39.005 You know,
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00:00:39.005 --> 00:00:42.442 some went to private school, some went to the public school, some were homeschooled.
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00:00:42.776 --> 00:00:45.879 So we're all coming from all these different walks,
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00:00:45.879 --> 00:00:49.516 I think really sharing a little bit more about what professors do
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00:00:49.516 --> 00:00:52.519 and what's required and what does what what does that day look,
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00:00:52.652 --> 00:00:55.455 there are people who are at teaching universities where it's just teaching.
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00:00:55.455 --> 00:00:59.492 Your job is to teach people and you can just lean into that work.
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00:00:59.492 --> 00:01:00.093 Other folks
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00:01:00.093 --> 00:01:03.329 there are research institutions and a lot of what you're going to be doing
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00:01:03.329 --> 00:01:07.534 is in the lab and you're going to be doing papers and, that's
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00:01:07.534 --> 00:01:11.304 really what you're going to be doing is all, basic research.
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00:01:11.304 --> 00:01:12.338 And you're doing that.
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00:01:12.338 --> 00:01:14.307 Yeah, I mean, you're right where you should be.
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00:01:14.307 --> 00:01:16.843 You're struggling trying to figure out what's next.
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00:01:16.843 --> 00:01:19.512 And at your age, that's that's perfect.
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00:01:19.512 --> 00:01:23.249 And I think a lot of us are trying to figure out why are we here or whatever.
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00:01:23.383 --> 00:01:27.053 You know, we can get real deep into to purpose and all of that piece.
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00:01:27.053 --> 00:01:30.056 but You can be the smartest guy or gal in a room, but
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00:01:30.323 --> 00:01:34.594 if you can't let people know, it really doesn't mean anything.
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00:01:34.894 --> 00:01:35.395 And also
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00:01:35.395 --> 00:01:38.965 if you're just super, super charming, but you don't have anything to back it up.
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00:01:39.666 --> 00:01:42.368 That doesn't take you too far either.
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00:01:42.368 --> 00:01:46.339 And so really, being able to combine things works out really well.
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00:01:46.339 --> 00:01:47.040 And I'm actually happy
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00:01:47.040 --> 00:01:50.844 I didn't go the Ph.D route because I think I would have been good.
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00:01:50.844 --> 00:01:55.844 But I think for what I'm set to do, I think the MBA was is a better tool.
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00:01:56.449 --> 00:01:59.018 They're just things that help you do what you do.
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00:01:59.018 --> 00:02:02.922 And you can assemble very different, tools to make things happen.
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00:02:03.022 --> 00:02:03.923 It's really about
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00:02:03.923 --> 00:02:05.792 what is the problem that you're trying to solve?
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00:02:05.792 --> 00:02:10.263 And so if you're trying to solve a problem of, gaps and disparities
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00:02:10.263 --> 00:02:14.501 and inefficiencies in terms of funding and investment.
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00:02:14.801 --> 00:02:18.738 Then, yeah getting a PhD in chemical engineering is probably not the route.
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00:02:18.872 --> 00:02:22.275 Then take your engineering background and go do economics
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00:02:22.509 --> 00:02:26.379 and, maybe you go into finance, you know, or you go do that
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00:02:26.379 --> 00:02:29.616 or you end up at Brookings Institute or somewhere
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00:02:29.616 --> 00:02:32.952 like a think tank helping to think about, you know, this type of work.
 

2024 BMHE Roadtrip
advanced-degree
entrepreneur

Figure out what your passion is. What did you enjoy doing at 12 years old? Then determine what's in your toolbox. Your toolbox contains your degrees and resume, and it also includes your unique perspective and experiences. For example, if you're a Black man with an engineering degree, you bring different things to the table than a white woman with the same degree. Finally, figure out where the money is to fund what your goals. Connect with people, find the funding, set a plan, and keep moving.

Going to MIT was a big deal where I came from, so I really felt the pressure of the community behind me. I wish that I could've taken a break and relaxed a little bit more through my educational journey.

Every day, I work to drive diversity, equity, and inclusion in clean energy. As the leader of Browning the Green Space, I connect with community organizations, corporate partners, and policymakers to create jobs, build wealth, and reduce energy burdens for communities of color. My day might involve speaking at conferences, advising federal agencies, or leading panels, all with the goal of ensuring a just energy transition​.

Co-Founder & Partner

Goals

Increasing DEI In Higher Education

You talked a lot about helping students find a sense of belonging
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00:00:02.936 --> 00:00:04.471 and mentoring students.
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00:00:04.471 --> 00:00:07.941 How did you get to that point in your life where you felt you found your
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00:00:08.108 --> 00:00:09.209 sense of belonging?
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00:00:09.209 --> 00:00:13.246 It is a continuous journey, but I had to be honest with myself.
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00:00:13.246 --> 00:00:17.317 So identifying and being able to be comfortable, publicly identifying
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00:00:17.317 --> 00:00:20.854 as a queer black male, the first time I said it, out loud in the public sector,
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00:00:20.887 --> 00:00:25.225 I was in my thirties. And so for me doing that, I also understand is that how
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00:00:25.225 --> 00:00:30.130 I'm showing up as myself helps others be authentic and show for themselves.
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00:00:30.130 --> 00:00:33.867 And so I think really how I find I belong is community.
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00:00:34.501 --> 00:00:39.072 and so who am I connecting with that pours into me
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00:00:39.072 --> 00:00:41.141 and that that pouring into me
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00:00:41.141 --> 00:00:44.277 allows me also pour to them and so it's having that community.
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00:00:44.277 --> 00:00:48.548 But it all started with me having to be honest with myself and question.
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00:00:48.548 --> 00:00:50.483 And so I had to understand,
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00:00:50.483 --> 00:00:53.219 How can I give myself to someone else if I don't know who I am?
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00:00:53.219 --> 00:00:58.219 And so that has been a transformative journey of discovery of who am I?
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00:00:58.925 --> 00:01:00.660 Who is Marques Rand Dexter.
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00:01:00.660 --> 00:01:04.998 So for me, it has truly been a journey of discovery of myself.
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00:01:05.198 --> 00:01:07.033 And through that journey,
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00:01:07.033 --> 00:01:11.137 how does that also create space for others to do the same?
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00:01:11.304 --> 00:01:13.740 To feel comfortable regardless of who they are,
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00:01:13.740 --> 00:01:16.776 How you taking up space as who you are and how you identify
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00:01:17.043 --> 00:01:19.279 does not impede on the space I take up.
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00:01:19.279 --> 00:01:23.249 And if it does, then I need to think about, well, is there enough space
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00:01:23.249 --> 00:01:26.252 and what is this space and am I comfortable in this space
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00:01:26.419 --> 00:01:30.023 because how I show up in my space has no boundaries.
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00:01:30.256 --> 00:01:32.225 So I'm always going to interact with others.
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00:01:32.225 --> 00:01:34.327 And so as we all kind of say it's a vibe.
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00:01:34.327 --> 00:01:37.730 And so I'mma navigate this system and every system
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00:01:37.897 --> 00:01:41.601 as best as I possibly can without losing myself.
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00:01:42.035 --> 00:01:43.236 You know, people knowing
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00:01:43.236 --> 00:01:47.607 I'm queer has nothing to do with the work I can do or anything else.
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00:01:47.607 --> 00:01:51.544 But at the same time, I know for some students and some individuals
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00:01:51.878 --> 00:01:55.448 it affirms who they are and know, regardless of who you are,
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00:01:55.715 --> 00:01:58.451 you can ascend to whatever levels and do what you want to do.
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00:01:58.451 --> 00:02:00.453 That's just a part of who you are.
 

Your path must be unique, intentional, and informed by your experiences, identities, and skills. There's no such thing as one way to pursue a career path. I'm a career changer and this career path took me into my 30s to realize this is the type of work I love to do and the environment that I truly thrive in.

Making the decision to change careers was huge for me. I looked to my mother and grandmother for guidance and after receiving their support, I went for it. I look back now at how happy and free I felt that I got to start anew.

Finding my sense of belonging included becoming comfortable publicly identifying as a queer Black male. You can't give yourself to someone else (those you're trying to support) if you're not showing up as your true authentic self.

No two days are the same in my work supporting Black male students at the University of Georgia. Some days, I’m strategizing new programs. Other days, I’m mentoring students, consulting with faculty, or analyzing data to anticipate challenges. I make sure students feel seen, supported, and empowered to reach their goals.

Individuality

You Get To Dictate Your Own Path

You Get To Dictate Your Own Path

Matthew Heartsfield

413 videos on Individuality: