What inspired you to pursue entrepreneurship or leadership in your field?

My path to entrepreneurship and leadership in marketing and technology was influenced by several factors, including my family background, educational experiences, and desire to help others.

I come from a family of entrepreneurs and “always knew” that eventually I would start a business, but I thought it would be in human factors consulting. I knew I would be involved in nonprofits and sit on boards, but I had no idea my passion would put me in helping others succeed in innovation. My entrepreneurship journey began with consulting projects while working on my Master’s Degree in Industrial Engineering at the University of Central Florida. It continued with side projects for people needing help with their business while I worked in a corporate job negotiating contracts for multimillion-dollar ad spending. My engineering background, combined with her interest in communications, seemed weird back then but led me to recognize a gap in the market. I noticed businesses needed help to enter the marketplace, tell stories, and measure their effectiveness.

My past government research experience in password information security and virtual reality opened the doors to help organizations understand how to improve communications surrounding technology, training, and cybersecurity. It continues to contribute to my unique approach to marketing and technology. I saw how technology could be used to measure marketing campaigns and tell better stories.

Ultimately, I am driven by a passion for helping people reach their goals and dreams through my business and the nonprofits I sit on the board of across the state and beyond.

What challenges have you faced as a leader or entrepreneur, and how have you overcome them?

You name it, I have faced it.

Being a woman in a male-dominated field. Navigating the intersection of multiple underrepresented groups. Explaining the value of my technical background in marketing.

When I first started, many in the marketing industry didn’t understand the value of my engineering background. I had to explain to executives that the “wave of digital storytelling” would require technology to measure and amplify it. On top of that, to this day, I can be in a room on a topic, and a man feels the need to try and explain the subject to me, not knowing I’ve written published papers and spoken on the topic here and abroad. Some days, I will share my vitae in the conversation, and others, I move on from the conversation. Sometimes, I’m not above correcting them. I would like to ask men how another person, especially women, enjoyed the session or discussion. That is the easiest way not to embarrass yourself or waste time sharing what the other person already knows. I’m not afraid to admit if I’m someplace to learn more because I strive not to be the smartest person in a room.

Because of these challenges, it’s taken me some time to be okay with saying and hearing “no.” I learned to be OK with hearing “no” and to understand that “no” could mean “not right now,” and I need to continue to build the relationship even after being told “no.” I understand that overcoming those “nos” is essential for career success. I also know it is ok to say “no” without justification because “no” is a complete sentence, just like “yes.”

What advice would you give to aspiring entrepreneurs and leaders?

Leadership is a role that everyone steps into at some point, whether at home, work, or in the community. Some people are natural leaders, but the type of leader you will become will depend on your code.

My code of leadership is servant leadership. Leaders should be willing to do any task they ask of others and show others how to do tasks or provide the right resources to help them do tasks better. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s “Drum Major Instinct” sermon is a short and powerful way to learn how to be a servant leader.

Can you share a significant milestone or achievement that shaped your journey?

The dean of the College of Engineering at UCF shaped my journey. Upon my arrival at the university, he immediately paired me with the department’s only black female professor, who, at the time, was training to be an astronaut and had accomplished so many things in her life before I even met her. She gave me my first job while at the school as a research assistant. The research allowed me to go on and compete in the National Society of Black Engineers regional and national competitions. I placed in the regional but lost at the national event. Even though I lost, it felt amazing to bring the win back to the school and see the work go on to be published and used as a reference for the US Department of Defense. That moment helped me feel that I, as a black woman, could make a difference in technology. I haven’t stopped since, thanks to Dr. Thompson, the dean, and Dr. McCauley, the mentor.

How do you give back to the community or support the next generation of entrepreneurs?

I’m passionate about giving back to my community and empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. I am one of the co-founders of the Black Innovation Leaders of Florida. Focusing on getting the necessary resources to a historically and currently marginalized community, I am honored to spend my time focused on building opportunities and pathways in innovation across the state. I actively mentor young professionals and students, sharing my experiences and offering guidance. I also serve on the boards of several non-profit organizations focused on education, STEM, and community development. Supporting initiatives like the ACE Program and the Pasco County Career and Technical programs by helping students prepare for web development and marketing careers is particularly important to me.