Black History Month Feature | Kevin Tubbs

Throughout the month of February, SGH has celebrated Black History Month by elevating the voices and work of our colleagues who contribute to Black history, culture, and excellence year-round. We are honored to share our interview with Kevin Tubbs, Senior Vice President for Strategic Solutions Group at Penguin Computing, an SGH Company. Kevin is responsible for the development of end-to-end solutions which cover both hardware and software solutions. Read the full interview to learn more about Kevin and the importance of celebrating Black History Month.?

SGH: What does Black History Month mean to you??

Kevin Tubbs [KT]: The study and sharing of Black History is something that should be studied and shared all year round which is something I strive to do. Black History Month is a time to share and celebrate Black History with anyone and everyone interested in learning more about the great accomplishments in Black History.?

SGH: What motivates you to be successful? ?

KT: My family mantra is “progress”. My siblings and I were first-generation college graduates and professional school students. My parents, family, and mentors engineered who I am today by providing love, support, exposure, and guidance to me on my professional journey. The love and respect for what my family sacrificed for me to have a better life is the ultimate driver of success for me.?

SGH: What does being an ally to the Black community mean to you??

Being an ally to the Black community is about providing intentionally consistent support for the advancement of issues important to the community. For me, that focus is on STEM education and outreach. Initiatives should provide intentional and structured programs that build a lasting impact and pathways to making those initiatives the norm and mainstream.?

SGH: What advice do you have for people looking to advance their careers or become a leader??

KT: The key is owning the development of your craft and daring to be great! It’s about having a commitment to being better today than you were yesterday and building your career by building it with like-minded people. The best advice I got from a mentor was when I had the opportunity to attend a traditional top-tier technical university. My mentor told me that “we never chase prestige; we create it wherever we go”. ?Ultimately, I decided to attend a Historically Black College and University (HBCU) and learned more than technical information - I developed a purpose and commitment to excellence.

SGH: What's your favorite mantra or quote??

KT: The greatest story ever told is always our own. For that reason, one should never let another person be the author of our story because they won’t do it justice!?

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