Thank You DCT for Being Part of My Why. I Love You! I Believe in YOU.
From being THE person who learned, implemented, and taught other Marines the design application used in the design of the Marine Corps Crucible in San Diego, I have transformed from a hidden figure into a leader in the AI space. Few realize that I failed boot camp on my first attempt, nor do they know I entered service on an open contract. This was pivotal because an open contract meant I was placed where they needed me most. Had I not failed, I would have been assigned to ammunitions; instead, I was designated as a Design Engineer. I am the girl who was told by her high school guidance counselor that ‘girls who look like me don’t do well in design.’ Today, I am Dr. Mesha Bazemore, an award-winning designer and AI Consultant. I am part of a team that secured a half-million-dollar grant from the state of Maryland, collaborating with those who want me to introduce AI to my people in Kenya and partnering with a Black-owned tech giant to stress-test their software, ensuring it becomes the go-to tool for people who look like me. My story stands as a testament to resilience. I urge you to push forward, trust your journey, stay teachable and accessible, and refuse to let the world define your limits based on the color of your skin.