02/25/2026
Marquitta says that Black History Month is "about honoring the strength, courage and hope that live in our communities every single day" — strength that can be found in her own story.
"As an African American woman raised in the inner city of Chicago, I learned early how to keep moving forward, even when life felt hard," she says. "I saw what resilience looks like in families, in neighbors, and in people who refuse to give up. At just 17 years old, I joined the United States Air Force. I stepped into a new world of opportunity, carrying my roots, my culture, and my determination with me. For more than 20 years, I have dedicated my life to serving others and supporting the people around me, hoping to make a meaningful difference in the world."
Marquitta's background and the values it instilled in her make her the amazing and compassionate professional she is today, showing her that "every person deserves to be seen, heard, valued, and given the chance to live a life that reflects who they truly are."
