The importance of STEM education is at an all-time high. Your degree is in mathematics. What encouraging words would you give to today’s African-American youth who are math geeks, but are a little shy about making it known?
Success comes from following your talents. I believe you should dare to be different if you have a true talent and a true gift that will shine if you take the “road less travelled”. That means that you will have situations where a spotlight is put on you because you don’t look like the student sitting next to you. However, I don’t think CEOs and top executives got there because they were worried about being like everyone else. Don’t be shy, follow your skills.
You are a successful Young Leader who decided to move back to St. Louis, your home town. Why?
Why not? I think this city is greatly undervalued. First of all, the size makes it such that you have the ability to experience large city attractions, food, and entertainment. Yet, it’s small enough that you have a comfort level of a familiar face and you can actually make a social impact. I was meant to leave this world better than how it was when I arrived and in St. Louis you can make that happen. Also there’s ton of free stuff in the summer…..so yeah.
Just a few years out of college and you are already involved with professional organizations including the Urban League’s Young Professionals and the RBC’s Young Professionals. What led you to get involved with these organizations at such a young age?
When I moved back to St. Louis, it had been four years since I lived here. Also, many of my friends did not return home. So there was a social reason to join these organizations. I chose these two organizations particularly because I do believe in giving back so these groups provide opportunities to get involved, while learning about St. Louis, while forming relationships with other movers and shakers in the community.
What are some of the challenges for a young woman in your industry (financial advising) in St. Louis and in the African-American community in particular?
This career could be challenging if you are uncomfortable around men, around people who are 50+ or around people who are white because, let’s face it, that is the demographic of the top professionals in this field. However, all the physical reasons why someone might not work with you are the exact reasons why someone else will. I see this as an opportunity to reach a neglected market and there are so many people who don’t fit the characteristics listed above who have a need, too. You could feel challenged because you’re not “one of the boys” or you could accept that by doing this differently at this point in time, you have the chance to be better than the boys
