Growing up in a middle-class family in Las Vegas, I wasn't fully aware of the deep-seated prejudices in America until I went to college. The scars of slavery, while significant, weren't as pronounced in Las Vegas as in the South.

As a child, I had friends from various backgrounds—mostly Asian, Caucasian, and Hispanic. We embraced our differences and took pride in our diverse group. However, I didn’t have many Black friends, and the few Black kids I did encounter often bullied me for being different. I didn’t see why race mattered. What mattered to me was being a good person and having good friends. I believed that success came from personal responsibility, regardless of race.

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When I attended Vanderbilt University, I became more aware of my Black identity. This awareness grew as I navigated a predominantly white environment, where subtle prejudices surfaced in various ways. My attempts to connect with others often highlighted the differences between us, especially with my first roommate, a white student from Texas, who kept her distance despite being polite. Over time, I realized that my identity as a Black person shaped many of my interactions and influenced how I was perceived.

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My experience extended beyond race. As a lesbian, I also faced challenges within both the Black community and the LGBTQ community. Initially, I struggled to reconcile my sexuality with the beliefs of the Black student community I had become part of. When I tried to join the LGBTQ community, I felt disconnected because my experiences as a Black person weren't acknowledged.

These experiences taught me that I couldn't separate my identities. At Vanderbilt, I learned that both my Blackness and my sexuality would shape my journey. These lessons prepared me for the challenges I'd face in my career, where I often had to create opportunities for myself in environments that weren't always welcoming.

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Today, as a Black lesbian entrepreneur, I aim to change how the world approaches diversity. I believe that by understanding our biases and working to overcome them, we can create a more equitable society. At the core, we all want the same things: happiness, health, and success. By recognizing our shared humanity, we can move beyond our differences and work towards a better future for everyone.