BOSSLADY UP!

Growing up in the parishes of Louisiana, I remember dreaming of becoming an attorney; a technologist; or both and being a college women's basketball student athlete.  From elementary, to middle school; into high school, I excelled; graduating with honors in both academics and sports.  

I was very close to my father and brother, but lost them in the early teenage years of my life. However, I learned a lot from them both. Very early in my toddler to early teen life, my father talked to me about setting goals and doing everything on purpose. This and so much more of he and my brother's guidance ministers to me every day in some form or another. Through these early physical losses, I gained a ton of wins.  

Learning to continuously reflect and adjust; adopting a flexible attitude, (much like in basketball); there's value in "pivoting" --deliberately and intentionally. As such, right after high school; off I went to Basic Training (Enlisted US Army).  Post military (OIF 2003) I earned an Academic and Athletic Scholarship to Saint Augustine's University (Raleigh, NC); graduating with Honors (Bachelor of Science -Information Technology with a minor in Criminal Justice) and Athletic Honors (Women’s CIAA Basketball)  

In 2008, I entered the federal government as an Analyst and by 2016, I had earned a Master of Science Degree in Technology Management and been appointed as a Senior IT Manager in the US Treasury Department; all while juggling responsibilities as a divorced mother of a set of beautiful twin girls and a handsome son.  

After several STEM growth spurts, never had I imagined what God had in store for me less than two years later.  August 2018, I was selected to serve as the nation's first Cyber Technology Officer; and all be it fitting to serve as such for the United States Marines; affording me the opportunity to serve with and lead Marines; the DOD and the IC as we secure, operate and defend this great nation and the systems required to do so. 

After serving in this capacity for 3 years, I am now serving as a full representation of the entire USMC Information Environment and Comms Community as a Senior Executive Service Tier 2 Assistant Director/ Deputy CIO for IC4.  I can truly say I am a Delta Girl living her Dream.  Humbled to serve and grateful to lead. 

Despite the ups and downs and life not occurring exactly as I planned, I wake up everyday grateful to impact so many while doing what I love. 

                                           What a blessing!  

                                                                                        (she, her, EMPRESS)