Home: Dallas, TX. Birthplace: New Haven, CT. Profession: Aerospace and defense communications executive. Organization: Lockheed Martin. Title: Vice President, Communications. Significant other: My better half, Ernest Davidson. Alma mater: Virginia Commonwealth (B.S.); Quinnipiac University (M.S.); Capella University (M.S.); Darden University (Leadership Certificate).
How do you describe yourself? As a working executive mom dedicated to excellence with my family, kids and work. Latest accomplishment: Successfully transformed the overall morale and productivity of a team of 70 communications professionals through proven data-driven results and authentic leadership. Latest contribution to others: At Big Brothers Big Sisters. I’ve served as a Big Sister for over five years. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Career driven: became a communications Vice President at nine months pregnant. The new role required a move from the DC area to Dallas, with two kids and husband. Hobbies: Fitness enthusiast; spending time with girlfriends, creating memories with my kids, exploring unique restaurants with my husband. Recent travel or adventure: I’ve been to six out of seven continents. Recently viewed and recommended: Master Class with Indra Nooyi.
Personality profile: Authentic, impactful; an organizer and a bargain shopper. What one word or phrase would your closest friend use to describe you? Class-act. Moral compass: Trust but verify. What is your greatest joy? Designing the life I once crafted on vision boards. What occupation, other than your own, do you most admire? Fitness instructors. What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Hobby Lobby. How do you relieve stress? Netflix binging with my hubby. What is your go-to workout? Peloton: Tabata class!
What was your first paying job? As a clerk at the Yale Bookstore. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Baby Alive (the original, which required, like, sixteen D batteries). What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Famous poetry quotations by Maya Angelou. What’s the best advice you received growing up? Go your own path and trust the Lord to take care of you. What modern technology innovation do you most appreciate? Any grocery or food service app that now allows me to shop on my phone and have things magically appear at my door step within minutes. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The death of George Floyd.
What change are you working on to effect in your profession or field?
Providing more space and opportunities for minorities and people of color to excel in corporate America.
What change would you like to see in the world? Equal pay and opportunity for minorities and those coming from low-income areas who aspire for career success. What message do you want to send out into the world? Whatever your goal, be willing to take calculated risks. Never miss an opportunity to shoot your shot. What mega-trend most concerns you? The use of social and digital media by children and teens and the resulting lack of human interaction.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? A Bold Life. What actor would you choose to play you in the movie about your life? Tika Sumpter. Everyone says we favor each other.
As a kid, what (or who) did you first want to be when you grew up? Whitney Houston. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Enjoying the biggest family reunion ever, with relatives from across the country, eating all the southern fried foods and drinking good wine. What advice would you give your younger self? Don’t worry about the popular kids! They may be popular today, but they’ll be coming to you for a job in ten years. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? My wedding day.
Personal mission: To be an authentic communications leader, continuously striving for excellence with the long-term goal of creating generational wealth for my children. Favorite quote: “Life is 10% what happens to you and 90% how you react to it” (Charles R. Swindoll).
