Complete this sentence, "If not for MLT..."
I would not be attending a Top 10 MBA program with a full-tuition scholarship, with my two young kids by my side.

Please describe the impact MLT had immediately upon completing your program.
After completing MLT MBA Prep, I found out I was admitted to six of the seven schools I applied to. I received scholarships to all six, and full-tuition scholarships to four. I built a great relationship with my MLT coach throughout the program, and I now consider her a mentor. She played a very integral role in helping me make a very difficult decision in deciding where to uproot my family for two years and attend business school.

How has MLT changed the financial/economic trajectory for you and your family?
MLT gave me the knowledge, support, and network I needed to develop the application necessary to not only allow me to get admitted into business school, but receive the funding to make my goal attainable. An MBA will have a huge impact on my career and financial trajectory, and will afford me the opportunity to reach my long-term goals sooner.

Has MLT elevated your personal and professional aspirations? If so, please provide an example.
Yes, before MLT I wanted to play it safe and get an MBA to enhance my career, but stay in the same job function. Now, because of the ambitious and inspiring individuals I met through MLT, I have the courage to change careers and go after what I am really passionate about—instead of staying in my comfort zone with a career I know I can succeed in, but wouldn't enjoy.

How has MLT's community helped advance your personal and/or professional happiness?
MLT's community helped my personal happiness by giving me a safe space and community to go through this difficult business school journey. It was priceless to have a community to help me review essays and that was understanding of the fact that I had a son.

Speak to a challenge MLT helped you overcome and how did that help your trajectory (i.e. confidence that you belong, growth mindset, vulnerability).
A few weeks after the first MLT seminar, I found out I was pregnant with my second child. I wanted to give up and quit so many times, and I began to doubt myself and believe that with this added obstacle, my MBA goal may have to wait. But my MLT coach, Shannon, encouraged me to keep pushing and reminded me that I am strong and driven and if anyone could do it, I could. Through terrible morning sickness, a high-risk pregnancy and increased responsibilities at work, I managed to take the GMAT exam twice and apply to seven business schools. I literally hit submit on my applications only a few days after my son was born. MLT was right there with me the entire time supporting me in any way they could. I will forever be grateful to this organization for believing in me when I didn't believe in myself.

Have you helped advance vulnerable people on their path to economic mobility? If so, how?
Yes, after college, I volunteered with an organization called Seeds of Fortune as a mentor. I coached and mentored female high school juniors and seniors and helped them with their college applications as well as matriculate through college.

Share 2-3 ways you've been able to accelerate your organization's journey toward greater diversity and inclusion.
I have always been involved with my company's black employee resource group. I have helped plan events through that network to promote inclusion and encourage more open conversation about diversity in the workplace. I also encourage more recruitment at my alma mater, Howard University, either formally or informally through employee referrals.

Share your favorite song, movie, or book, and why it appeals to you.
My favorite song is "Encourage Yourself" by Donald Lawrence and The Tri-City Singers. I keep this song on repeat anytime I am facing obstacles or having an internal struggle to keep going. I pray and sing this song over and over and next thing I know, I'm okay and confident I can overcome whatever I'm dealing with.

What is your superpower?
My superpower is my perseverance. I have been knocked down many times and have been through so much, but it's all about mindset. I never let it keep me down and I always find a way out of it. My children are my motivation to keep going and to keep fighting for my dreams. I want them to look back at their childhood and be inspired by my journey and all the things I was able to accomplish with them by my side. I hope it motivates them to persevere through their own obstacles they'll face in life.

What gives you hope?
My faith and my family give me hope. I know I can accomplish anything with faith, prayer and the support of my family and friends. I am so excited to embark on this journey as an MBA Mama, and I hope that my journey encourages other moms to go after their goals and dreams and not believe the stigma that children impede their success.