**My STEM journey has been anything but linear—but it’s been transformative.**
I began my career in a microbiology lab at 18, shortly after losing my father to cancer. I had paused my education to support my mother and urgently needed work. After making a few calls to a local university, I was directed to interview with a principal investigator who, I later learned, had been expecting a graduate student. The interview was rocky, but he handed me five biology textbooks and told me not to return until I’d read them all. I came back the next day—and he placed me in the lab to begin my first research project.
That moment defined me. If there’s a challenge, I rise to meet it. That lab experience was the start of a STEM career that has inspired me, tested me, and at times, left me burned out. Over the years, I’ve mentored students and early-career professionals, encouraging them to explore STEM in all its forms. The field has given me opportunities to collaborate with problem-solvers, travel to fascinating places, influence policy, and contribute creatively to real-world solutions.
I earned a bachelor’s degree in biology, a doctorate in cell and molecular biology, and completed postdoctoral training in molecular virology and immunology, focusing on HIV infection mechanisms. By the end of my postdoc, I had spent 13 years at the bench and was experiencing deep burnout. I lacked a community to share challenges, exchange stories, and navigate career decisions.
That led me to apply for—and receive—a science policy fellowship, which brought me to Washington, DC for two years. As my fellowship ended, I faced a crossroads: return to academic research, continue in policy, or forge a new path. I chose the latter and joined a team of scientists supporting national defense projects.
Throughout my career, I’ve faced highs and lows and longed for a community that truly understood the complexity of my journey. I needed advice from people who had walked similar paths. The underrepresentation of women of color in STEM struck a chord with me—not just the statistics, but the lived experience. I realized that addressing the pipeline isn’t enough. We must advocate for, empower, and support those already in it.
If you’re questioning your next steps or seeking clarity in your STEM career, you’re not alone—and you’re in the right place.
