Can I just say what a cool feeling it is to feel optimistic and look forward to possibilities? 😊
That's all.
Happy Wednesday, everyone!
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Hair & makeup by Vlada Fomenko-Haggerty
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Dr. Mayen Udoetuk | A Celebration of Black Excellence
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“Who you are surrounded by often determines who you become.”
-Vicky Saunders
“Honored” doesn’t even come close to fully describing how I feel as I continue to be privileged to meet and learn more about women like Dr. Mayen Udoetuk.
My first connection with her was about a year ago at a panel discussion she organized here in the Silicon Valley addressing the topic of women in leadership and diversity and inclusion. I was one of the members in the audience and what I remembered walking away with was an even more solidified belief that women have much value to bring to the table and to the discussion. I think that having a willingness to learn is one of the greatest attributes in a true leader and Dr. Udoetuk, having led such an important discussion, is an example of that.
She is no doubt a role model in many respects for others and to have her included in this series that celebrates Black excellence inspires me deeply - to do work that is meaningful, to see the richness in people’s stories, and to be extremely thankful for the people who have helped me along my own path.
Without further ado, I am proud to share with you today’s spotlight on Dr. Mayen Udoetuk.
Images | Heartbox Photography
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“I'm from Houston, Texas. I first fell in love with chemistry from listening to my mom explain the world around me, but also from watching countless episodes of "Bill Nye The Science Guy" and "The Magic School Bus". After years of undergraduate training, summers spent in various university research labs, and conducting on-campus research during each semester, I earned my BS in Chemistry.
Afterwards, I went directly into a Master degree program for Microelectronics-photonics (a type of engineering). Though I was initially intrigued by that field and the bioanalytical chemistry research I was conducting at the time, I became more interested in what was happening to me psychologically during such a strenuous learning process. That's when I found out about educational psychology. Since then, I've earned a Masters and a Doctorate in the field, and have crafted my career around it.
I'm most proud of my resilience, my humanity, and my creativity. Each one of these attributes has helped me thrive when I wanted to give up, to be humble enough to ask for and receive assistance when needed, and to exemplify creative problem solving in my personal and professional lives. “
What is something most people might not know about you?
“There's a lot people don't know about me. One thing I don't mind sharing is that despite my extrovert tendencies, I'm an introvert through and through. Most people also don't know that I'm a creative regarding resin work, flower pressing, dancing, playing piano, and drawing. I've spent so much of my life being focused on my career that I never really shared those aspects of myself until recently.”
Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?
“I've been blessed with so many people who have had huge, positive influences on my life. To name a few: Dr. Jim Hammons introduced me to the world of education and how to thrive in it; my mentors and good friends Dr. Carol Bunch Davis, Dr. Liz Borda, and Dr. Juan Sanchez taught me to lean into my strengths and be accounted for with each new professional milestone and challenge; my mom and good friend Dr. Kenyatta Dawson taught me to embrace my creative self wholeheartedly; my mom and dad taught me to be courageous when taking calculated risks; and my inner circle of "sista friends" taught me what it means to cultivate sisterhood.”
If you could meet anyone in history, who would it be and why?
“I'd love to meet my maternal great -grandmother and grandmother, as well as my paternal grandmother. I can only imagine the warnings and wisdom they'd share.”
“The people who inspire me most are those that came from very little or nothing, yet still found a way to make something extraordinary with their lives while also blessing others in the process.
When you're raised in an environment that focuses on survival, it's extremely difficult to evolve your mindset and behavior. Those that find a way out of vicious cycles for themselves and for others through constructive means are the true MVPs.”
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What does honoring and celebrating Black excellence mean to you personally?
“Honoring and celebrating Black excellence is alchemy exemplified. Alchemy is "a seemingly magical process of transformation, creation, or combination". Or, to put it plainly, taking nothing and making it something.
There's no doubt in my mind that is indeed Black excellence.
We honor and celebrate it by not letting the work of our ancestors be in vain as we build upon their legacies while creating our own.”
Michelle Toney | A Celebration of Black Excellence
“Don't let anyone rob you of your imagination, your creativity, or your curiosity.
It's your place in the world; it's your life. Go on and do all you can with it, and make it the life you want to live.”
- Mae Jemison
I had the pleasure of getting to know Michelle Toney in our chats before and after her photoshoot and even though her educational background and career are in areas that many would consider “serious” (as an adjunct professor in math/statistics and also in the world of finance!), Michelle reminds me more of the friend you spend hours laughing with while chatting about everything under the sun.
She was born and raised here in the Bay Area, in Vallejo. As a student at Vallejo High School, she played volleyball, basketball, and ran track. Michelle went on to earn her BA in Math/Statistics at San Jose State University as well as an MA in Business Management at the University of Phoenix. As a local Hayward resident, she is an avid traveler, loves to enjoy great food and has a passion for all things that advocate for living a healthy life through exercise, self-care, and probably the most important thing, the daily medicine that is laughter. #amen
It goes without saying that Michelle is truly a #bosslady in life, in her work, and endeavors and I am beyond honored to highlight a bit of her story in today’s feature blog post with you all.
Happy Friday!
Images | Heartbox Photography
Wardrobe styling | Lisa Gaines
Makeup | Nancy Wetherholt
“My education background is Math / Statistics because I think math is fun and it is necessary for everyday life … especially if you want to be successful.
I’ve learned in the areas of finance, health care and manufacturing that math and statistics tell stories on how businesses are being run today and where it needs to be in the future.”
What are you most proud of in your life and why?
“I am proud to live the life I want and accept the good, the bad, and the ugly that goes with it. I believe that’s I how I grow as a person and learn from the mistakes that I have made. Plus, being surrounded by people who have similar life-style as me helps.”
What is something most people might now know about you?
“I am willing to work and partner with people where we both produce positive and productive outcomes/results. Basically, have a “win-win” partnerships.”
Can you tell me about someone who has had a huge influence on your life? What lessons did that person teach you?
“My parents have been influences in my life where they taught me to think before I make a decision and be prepared to face the consequences. Most of my sport coaches have helped shaped me where I can contribute my strengths for the team, but reminded me to improve on the skills that need more work so I can grow and exceed to the next level in life.”
What is the best advice you've ever received?
“Stay out of other people’s business that does not involve me.”
Who/what inspires you and why?
“Having an opened mind is my inspiration. By looking at the world from different perspectives allows me to help people on what they need to improve their lives. I believe that most people in the world should travel and see/experience how others live and we could be live a little bit more harmony.”
