PORTIA
Wife, mother, daughter, sister, engineer, entrepreneur, twerk master. The birth of my son, marrying my husband and the day I got my PhD are some of my best days. I struggle at times to balance my career as an engineer with my entrepreneurial endeavors. I have many passions, including family, and it can be hard to focus my energy. I fear mediocrity, knowing that I'm capable of more but not finding the motivation to move forward. I've often felt like I don't fit in. I remember in grad school I took Mathematical Foundations in Robotics. I was the only woman and Black person in the class of about 50, I definitely had imposter syndrome during that. I can struggle with self-doubt and I catch myself holding onto the old story that I'm not good enough. My new story though, is that I manifest my own success and life. I'd tell a 12 year old me to hold onto who she is and not to dampen it for anyone. I wish there was more knowledge seeking in the world. We keep repeating the same history over and over because of the lack of acknowledgement of the atrocities that have been done in the past. Because of this we are still fighting for black lives to be valued in America. Success to me, is positively impacting the life of another person. Beauty is found in confidence and kindness. I feel most alive when I'm dancing. Dance is my therapy, my sanity, my dream and my disconnect from whatever is going on in my life. I rely on it heavily, now in the form of dance fitness and I'm so happy I can share that part of me with others. Happiness comes from managing stress in a healthy way and surrounding yourself with people who love and root for you. I wish people knew that sometimes I need help but I have a hard time asking for it. Right now I'm most excited about watching my son develop day by day - having him around daily has been the silver lining of this pandemic. I believe in doing more good than harm. I believe in not being afraid to take the road less travelled and in never taking time for granted. I am proud of my resilience. I am ambitious, grounded and caring. I am Portia. I am grateful. I love to bring joy to others.
