Her Story
About Lexus
I work in multiple roles across STEM and higher education. In government, I serve as a technical director, a position I've held for two years after achieving my NH4 level. I also work part-time as an adjunct professor at Southern New Hampshire University, where I give back and help build up the next generation of IT leaders. Additionally, I teach at a non-profit called Teleeducation. My journey into STEM was non-traditional. I started with a bachelor's in Arts in Journalism from Norfolk State University, but after losing my job at Dominion Enterprise, I pivoted into IT using experience from a work-study position in the information technology sector at Norfolk State where I helped oversee computer labs and network issues. I began my IT career on a help desk with the FAA through government contracting with OST Global, then moved to VMD where I became a technical support specialist with the Department of State Counselor Affairs, working on passports and travel programs. While working full-time, I earned my master's in software engineering from University of Maryland Global Campus. I continued advancing through various contracting companies, including a role as a cost systems analyst with Veteran Affairs, before landing at Zantec IT as a business systems analyst and eventually a sustainment lead. During this time, I also earned a second master's in cybersecurity from UMGC. I became a government civilian about 5 years ago and have worked my way up through technical management positions. My motto throughout my career has been to soak up everything like a sponge, always be willing to help others, and pursue endless opportunities. I'm also a member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Incorporated.
Her Interview
Ten minutes with Lexus
01What do you attribute your success to?
I attribute my success to my willingness to soak up everything like a sponge and always being eager to learn and grow. One of my mottos is to absorb knowledge wherever I can find it. My PM once told me that where I was at and the type of systems I was working on would bring me endless opportunities, so I knew I had to go get that knowledge. I've always been willing to help other people and help my program, and when I saw weaknesses in other programs where they needed people to do certain things, I would step up and say I could learn from them while also helping them. People knew my work ethic, they knew who I was, and they knew I was going to get the job done and produce results. I also learned early on to be strategic about my career moves. My mom gave me valuable advice when I lost my job at Dominion Enterprise. She told me not to quit a job I hated, but to let them fire me so I could collect unemployment and figure out my next steps. That advice helped me take the time I needed to pivot into IT and find the right path for my career.
02What’s the best career advice you’ve ever received?
The best career advice I've ever received came from my PM, who told me that where I was at and the type of systems I was working on would bring me endless opportunities. He made me realize that I had to go get that knowledge and pursue those opportunities actively. Another piece of powerful advice came from my mom when I lost my job at Dominion Enterprise. She told me, 'I know you hate your job, but don't quit. Let them fire you so you can collect unemployment. That way, you can figure out what you want to do, or what's the next steps in your career, or which way you want to take.' That advice gave me the breathing room I needed to pivot my career into IT. I also had a mentor who encouraged me to go for the full master's degree in cybersecurity instead of just the certificate program, even though I only had three classes left. He said to just go for it, and that decision opened up even more doors for me.
Keep Exploring
More Influential Women · Maryland
Join Influential Women and start making an impact. Register now.