Kynihay Brown Takes Corporate America By Storm!

Kynihay Brown, a proud native of Muskegon,MI stands as a testament to the power of education and perseverance. Armed with a college degree, she's ventured into the dynamic realm of Corporate America, where she thrives amidst the challenges and opportunities. With a keen intellect and a relentless drive for success, Kynihay approaches her work with dedication and innovation. Embodying the spirit of small-town beginnings to working for top names in corporate America.

I want to personally thank you Kynihay for taking the time out your busy schedule for this interview. I hope you, the reader, walk away motivated and inspired just as I did after this interview!

Checkout the digital magazine version of our interview, it's even better!!

Introducing Kynihay Brown!

INTERVIEW

When you graduated highschool, what were your life plans and how hard was it to stick to them?

Kynihay: After high school graduation, my primary aim was to seek liberation and self-discovery. Having faced numerous challenges during my high school years, my main priority was to explore my interests and find solace in unfamiliar surroundings. I saw it as an opportunity for a fresh start. Although breaking free from old habits was challenging, it became a pivotal growth experience for me. Afterwards, my focus shifted towards advancing in my career and entering the corporate world while also striving to become the first college graduate in my family.

You're known for being a star athlete from Muskegon High School. Did you feel pressure to be the face of athleticism for the city while in college?

Kynihay: It's a bit of a mixed bag for me. On one hand, I feel that the pressure stemmed from the perfectionism ingrained in my city, where being the best at everything, both on and off the track, was kind of expected of me. As a high school track star, there was an expectation to excel and to always be the fastest. However, navigating through moments where support wasn't always genuine, and some even wished for your failure, was a challenge I had to overcome. I believe it was this adversity that motivated me to persevere and strive for excellence in college.

On the other hand, the sport of track and field, especially from the girls' perspective, didn't receive as much recognition unless you were at the top. After high school, that support faded, and it was really your family and personal support system that were the ones carrying you forward.

What are some major life lessons you learned while attending Michigan State University?

Kynihay: My college experience at Michigan State has taught me a lot of valuable lessons. Two of the most significant ones I'd like to share is if you want to be successful you have to put in the work to achieve it and the prioritization of mental health.

Unlike high school, college doesn't hold your hand; it requires self-motivation and dedication. Additionally, navigating the diverse environment of college, where networking is key, has been eye-opening. I was put in a position in college where I was exposed to diverse classrooms but it allowed me to learn the importance of effective communication and building relationships with strangers that are in similar situations of establishing their personal brands.

Secondly, I've learned the critical importance of mental health. Taking proactive steps to prioritize and improve my mental well-being has been a huge step in my life. College became a period of self-discovery and introspection for me. By forgiving and loving myself, I found a sense of peace and solace. This self-awareness and self-care journey not only enhanced my personal life but also positively impacted my academic achievements and overall success.

Can you explain to readers what you do for a living and why it's important for African Americans to be involved in this field?

Kynihay: I currently work in the technology sector as a cybersecurity consultant for IBM, a pioneering company in the field. I feel fortunate to have had the opportunity to work for esteemed organizations such as Louis Vuitton, Apple, JP Morgan Chase, and now IBM. My typical day involves assisting our clients in enhancing their network infrastructure security, safeguarding them against hackers and insider threats.

When I entered college, I pursued majors in business and communication, with little awareness of STEM fields. However, through interactions with peers and mentors, I gradually developed an interest in technology. I believe that the underrepresentation of African Americans and women in STEM is largely due to the lack of exposure in inner-city schools. Efforts to increase representation and accessibility to STEM education could bridge this gap.

I strongly advocate for the inclusion of African Americans in the technology sector, as it presents a gateway to wealth and untapped potential. Historically, this field has been shrouded in secrecy, but technology's continuous evolution offers numerous opportunities yet to be explored. Embracing diversity is essential as technology holds the key to addressing various challenges within our community. Currently, black women make up only 9% of the cybersecurity sector, and I am eager to witness this number rise, bringing forth fresh perspectives and innovative ideas.

For those who don't know, you recently moved to New York after living in Dallas,TX for some time. What influenced this decision and do you have any regrets?

Kynihay: Various factors influenced my decisions, but perhaps the most significant was my boyfriend—surprisingly enough! He envisioned a future for us in New York that I couldn't quite grasp at first. Initially, the idea terrified me; I couldn't imagine myself there, fearing the possibility of failure. However, when I landed a job with a higher salary, a blessing I had prayed for, and he secured a position at PepsiCo's corporate office, I saw it as a sign. I reassured myself that even if I stumbled, I wouldn't be alone, trusting in God to guide me away from adversity. So, we took the leap and moved. Looking back, I'm genuinely grateful we did because, for the first time, I feel like all the hard work from high school to now has truly paid off. Despite the challenges, I've managed to maintain a wonderful life, and the journey is still unfolding.

Women who focus on their career and stability before starting a family receives backlash at times. Has there been any pressure from outsiders to start a family? If so, how do you handle it?

Kynihay: It's a bit of both. My family gets that I'm always on the go and love to travel, even if it means living in some of the priciest areas in the country. Occasionally, we do have discussions about it, but there's no pressure from them to change my lifestyle.

Life isn't fun if it's all work and no play. What are some ways you unwind in your free time?

Kynihay: When I get the chance to relax, I prioritize spending time with my family and friends while also enjoying my hobbies. I enjoy gaming, traveling, and exploring the culinary world by creating diverse cultural dishes.

What's one quote you live by and do you have any advice for readers?

Kynihay: A saying I firmly believe in is that a bad day doesn't equate to a bad life. For me, it signifies that we sometimes let a negative experience overshadow the beauty of our lives. Just because we encounter tough moments doesn't mean our entire existence is a “bad experience”. We should remember to appreciate the beauty around us and not let hardships define our overall perspective.