Serving my community is important to me because it is a reflection of both where I come from and who I have become. I understand what it means to need support, guidance, and opportunity, and that understanding has shaped how I show up for others. Community, to me, is not just a place but it is people, shared experiences, and the responsibility we have to lift one another forward. As a mother of three and a grandmother of two, service has always started at home. I have spent years pouring into my family, guiding them, protecting them, and helping them navigate life. That same mindset naturally extends into my community. I believe that when one of us grows, we all benefit, and when one of us struggles, we all feel it. That interconnectedness is what makes service so meaningful to me. My commitment to service is not just something I believe in, it is something I actively practice. I have served within my church community, supporting initiatives that provide encouragement, guidance, and care to those in need. I have also volunteered at my local food bank, helping ensure that families facing hardship have access to basic necessities. These experiences have grounded me in humility and reminded me that service is often about meeting immediate needs with compassion and consistency. In addition, I currently serve as the Secretary of my local NAACP chapter. In this role, I support organizational efforts that focus on advocacy, community engagement, and ensuring that the voices of our community are heard and documented. This position has allowed me to be involved in meaningful work that addresses systemic challenges while also strengthening community connections. It has deepened my understanding of leadership, responsibility, and the importance of structure in creating lasting impact. My life experiences have also shaped my commitment to service. Going through a divorce during COVID was a defining moment that required me to rebuild, not just emotionally but also financially and professionally. It reminded me that everyone is fighting battles that are not always visible, and sometimes the smallest act of support can make a lasting difference. Returning to school to pursue my degree in cybersecurity is not just about personal success, it is also about positioning myself to serve in a greater capacity. We live in a time where technology impacts every aspect of life, and with that comes risk. Cybersecurity is about protection, and that aligns directly with my desire to serve. Whether it is helping to prevent fraud, protect sensitive information, or educate others on how to stay safe in a digital world, I see my career as a way to contribute to the well-being of others. Serving my community also means being an example. I want my children, my grandchildren, and others around me to see that it is never too late to pursue purpose. I want them to understand that setbacks do not define you but your response to them does. By continuing my education despite challenges, I hope to inspire others who may feel discouraged or uncertain about their own paths. In addition, I am passionate about helping communities that are often overlooked or underserved. Access to information, resources, and opportunities is not always equal, and I believe in doing my part to help close that gap. Whether through mentorship, education, or simply sharing knowledge, I want to be someone who contributes to building stronger, more informed communities. My journey has taught me the value of perseverance, compassion, and purpose, and I intend to carry those values into everything I do, both professionally and personally.

My passion for cybersecurity did not begin with a single moment, but with a growing awareness that the world we live in is increasingly digital and increasingly vulnerable. As I learned more about how systems, data, and identities can be protected or exploited, I became deeply interested in being on the side that protects. Cybersecurity, to me, is not just about technology; it is about safeguarding people, businesses, and communities and my country from harm. My journey into this field has not been traditional. I am a mother of three and a grandmother of two, and I made the decision to return to school later in life to pursue my bachelor’s degree in cybersecurity. That decision came from a place of unfinished purpose. I knew I had more to accomplish, and I wanted to build a future rooted in skill, stability, and impact. What sparked my initial interest was a combination of curiosity and exposure. As I began learning about networking, virtual machines, and system security through my coursework, I realized how powerful this knowledge is. Understanding how systems are built and how they can be defended gave me a very clear sense of direction. I also developed an interest in how cybersecurity intersects with fraud prevention and financial crime, which expanded my perspective beyond just technical skills into real-world application. However, this journey has come with challenges. Balancing school, family responsibilities, and financial hardship has not been easy. During COVID, I went through a divorce, which forced me to reevaluate my life and rebuild from a place of uncertainty. Despite these obstacles, I remained committed to my education and have maintained a 3.5 GPA. There have been moments where financial barriers temporarily paused my progress, like now, but I have not allowed those moments to define my path. To overcome these challenges, I focused on consistency and resourcefulness. Even when I was unable to actively attend classes, I continued learning through independent study, online resources, and hands-on labs and taking a course for CompTIA A+ cert. I stayed connected to the material and committed to improving my skills. This experience taught me that resilience is just as important as knowledge in this field. These experiences have shaped my approach to cybersecurity in a meaningful way. I understand what it means to face real-world challenges, and that perspective drives me to approach problems with patience, persistence, and a solutions-oriented mindset. Cybersecurity requires critical thinking, adaptability, and the ability to stay calm under pressure. These qualities I have strengthened through my life experiences. Looking ahead, my goal is to build a career in cybersecurity with a focus on protecting systems and preventing financial crime. I am particularly interested in roles such as Security Operations (SOC) Analyst or fraud and compliance analysis, where I can combine technical skills with investigative thinking. Ultimately, I want to be part of the effort to make digital spaces safer for everyone. My journey is still in progress, but one thing is certain: I am committed to finishing what I started and building a future in cybersecurity that reflects both my determination and my purpose.