I had the privilege and honor of sharing my story of success at the Newark Rotary Club meeting in Newark, Delaware last week. Depending on when you met me, you may have a different idea of how much time it takes for me to craft a speech worth sharing. If you ask my undergrad roommates, they would argue they hardly ever saw me studying in the apartment. In graduate school (both MS and PhD), I prepared for technical seminars and presentations for days to weeks. But now, a better understanding of self (and a little last minute panic) leads me to a place of vulnerably sharing MY TRUTH – crafting speeches carefully but with extreme efficiency. I am highly self-critical, quite the perfectionist, and much more of a writer than a speaker. I mean, it is a reason why I started a blog 10+ years ago and not a podcast (haha). But, I’ve found that if I’m honest with self and others, it is much easier to speak from the heart and build connection. Not to mention, it empowers others to boldly share their story, too!

Connection is powerful because it supports our individual well-being while providing a key to unlock our purpose.

Humans have a fundamental need for connection. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs would argue that a sense of belonging is critical to our biological and psychological well-being. The challenge is that as we age it seems much more difficult to make friends. I’ve attributed this to mismatches in life stages. For example, at 8-years old it was quite straightforward to make friends and find connection because most other 8-year olders are in the same phase of life as you. They are on the playground at school enjoying fun or participating in tap dance classes or in piano recitals with you. Now fast-forward a decade to 18-years old. Some people start working, others go to college/university, and some choose the military. As people choose a life path that is most suitable for them, social bonds shift, some friendships become distant, and our needs for interpersonal interaction evolve.

Now in my mid-30s I connect with all types of people, but more importantly, I have a profound need to connect with myself so that I can show up effectively for others in my communities. Connection is powerful because it supports our individual well-being while providing a key to unlock our purpose. I believe that it ultimately leads us to improved health and happiness.

So what was the full circle moment?

At a totally un-related function to the Rotary Club, I met a woman named Allison. She organizes the selected speakers for the Newark Rotary Club. After hearing me give a much more technical talk about battery materials, she connected with me to potentially talk about women in science, as well as scholarship. I support women in science and always enjoy opportunities to share about my educational journey and experiences since becoming a professional in the battery/chemical industry. So for me, agreeing to speak at the club meeting was a resounding YES!

Related Post: A Recap: The Journey to Dr. Waters

Why Women in Science Matter

“The success of every woman should be the inspiration to another. We should raise each other up.” – Serena Williams

The Department of Labor reported that women in STEM, as of April 2025, make up only 26%. Be mindful that this is across ALL STEM fields – science, technology, engineering, and math. This number also includes all levels of STEM – bachelor’s degrees to PhDs. Data USA reported that in 2023 only 39.8% of chemists and material scientists in the workforce were women. And while this number seems like a significant representation of women, the gender gap is much less pronounced at the bachelor’s level. So let’s take this a step further. The National Science Foundation (NSF) collects data for the annual Survey of Earned Doctorates. The NSF reported that Blacks/African Americans make up only 1.7% of doctorates in chemistry. Are you surprised?

Throughout my educational journey, I’ve been one of few women and the only woman of color in many classrooms. This remains true as I navigate my career as a global leader in the battery industry. It makes for quite an isolating journey; nevertheless, it builds character and mental fortitude. Also, I have had valuable female mentors supporting me along the way. Without key connections I made in undergrad at UNC Chapel Hill, I cannot say I would have become a chemist. I was set on being a medical doctor from the beginning of time, but women along my journey were like lamp posts helping me to forge my best path. Now, it’s my turn to become a guiding light and give back.

Scholarship Matters, Especially for Underrepresented Students

Growing up in rural North Carolina, located in the Southeastern portion of the United States, I often heard that once I graduated high school and entered college it would be an equal playing field. Students from all of the world relocate to Chapel Hill, North Carolina to earn a degree in Tar Heel nation! It is a myth that college is the great equalizer. If anything, it exposes how socioeconomic status and a student’s childhood environment impacts their propensity not to just begin, but complete a 4-year college degree.

Scholarship creates a pipeline of access to education that some very talented students would not be able to capitalize on due to financial barriers. Scholarships were critical for me to matriculate through not just one, but three university degrees without an insurmountable amount of debt! My educational journey provided perspective, something that I recognize has granted me significant privilege.

So the full circle moment? Well back in May 2010, a little over 15 years ago I was awarded the Service Above Self Award from the Rotary Club of Greater Wilson.

A decade and a half later, I was thrilled to share how scholarships like this one (sponsored by the Rotory Club) ignited the flames of a young, Black girl destined for greatness without a clue of how to get there. It was a full circle moment because I had the opportunity to share my story in my local Delaware community with the Newark Rotary Club.

To this day, in the quiet moments I reflect on how far I’ve come. I reflect on how many odds I’ve defeated, the obstacles faced and overcome, and most importantly, the people whom supported me along the journey. It leads me back to one thing – GRATITUDE! Timing is everything and sometimes it’s unexpected. But in connection with the Author of time there comes a peace in knowing that what is meant for you is already yours.

Want to read more about my educational journey? CLICK HERE