1 00:00:11,910 --> 00:00:18,070 I am the Assistant Division Chief for the Mechanical Systems Division at NASA Goddard 2 00:00:18,070 --> 00:00:19,400 Space Flight Center. 3 00:00:19,400 --> 00:00:24,840 When I was younger I never imagined that I would be working for an organization that 4 00:00:24,840 --> 00:00:31,800 is internationally known for its accomplishments. 5 00:00:31,800 --> 00:00:38,550 Working at NASA in this circle of influence that I’ve had the privilege of being a part 6 00:00:38,550 --> 00:00:47,610 of – it’s more than I’ve ever thought, that I’ve ever been able to dream of. 7 00:00:47,610 --> 00:00:55,579 The greatest barrier that I’ve experienced throughout my career is being first a minority 8 00:00:55,579 --> 00:00:57,559 and than a woman. 9 00:00:57,559 --> 00:01:03,289 You have to constantly prove yourself that you’re not there as a part of a quota or 10 00:01:03,289 --> 00:01:09,180 token, that you’re actually deserved to be involved and that you are competent and 11 00:01:09,180 --> 00:01:13,910 qualified for the work that you’re performing. 12 00:01:13,910 --> 00:01:20,110 As a member of the Goddard community, I’m the African American Advisory Committee’s 13 00:01:20,110 --> 00:01:25,720 Chair and I advocate for the diversity and inclusion of all on center. 14 00:01:25,720 --> 00:01:32,000 Even though my function is to represent the African American constituency, anything that 15 00:01:32,000 --> 00:01:38,200 I present to the center is to the benefit of Goddard. 16 00:01:38,200 --> 00:01:45,250 I’ve learned several lessons during my life and one of the most important lessons that 17 00:01:45,250 --> 00:01:48,270 I’ve learned was to believe in myself. 18 00:01:48,270 --> 00:01:55,030 To believe that I can do something and regardless, if I’ve made a mistake or didn’t do it 19 00:01:55,030 --> 00:01:59,450 in a certain way, that it was OK, because I was being myself.