Black History Month with Southwest Key

As February commemorates Black History Month , Southwest Key wants to highlight the voices of our diverse familia. A few Southwest Key familia members shared their personal experiences, including Christina Lundy, Joella L. Brooks, Kaela Walker, and Tyrone Ambrose. Their stories share common themes of family, legacy, and authenticity.

Before they were leaders, they looked to the examples of others, including parents and grandparents, who helped them see what was attainable from an early age.

Associate Director of Procurement and Contract Services, Christina Lundy shares, “Growing up in a modest neighborhood, my parents faced the challenges of limited resources. In such environments, hope can be elusive, and the belief in surpassing one's circumstances can be daunting. Yet, they proved that you can break free from the walls that surround you. Despite the obstacles, my parents triumphed over adversity, achieving remarkable success in their lives.”

While her dad was in the military, Christina saw him combat things in his personal life, including dyslexia and weight challenges. However, he persevered and provided her with a model for her future.

She says, "For the sake of his family, he took on the responsibility. Adopted at a young age, he was determined to keep our family united, yet he also recognized the importance of providing. He did whatever it took to ensure we had access to opportunities and diverse experiences. His teachings on overcoming challenges have been invaluable, and I feel truly blessed."

Although her mom didn't have a college education, she achieved the role of budget officer for the Department of Defense at AFRICOM. She also served as the Director for the Naval Reserve Forces Command. Christina says, "She has instilled in me the belief that no matter your situation, reaching greater heights is possible. The key is to have unwavering faith in your ability to attain those heights."

Project Manager Kaela W. also refers to her mom as a major influence on her life, saying, "She was a single mom. She struggled. But you know, she's the epitome of what I would say a Black woman is.”

Like Christina’s experience, her mother's strength was impressed upon her as a child and continues to inspire her.

Chief Operations and Programs Officer, Joella Brooks , has been with Southwest Key for almost as long as it has existed. She has similarly been inspired by her mother and her grandmother throughout her life.

She shares, “Both were very involved in their communities, with my mother being an educator by profession and my grandmother serving her community through her church. Both women were committed to improving the well-being of others; they influenced my own desire to change lives.”

Joella has met many female African American teachers and counselors who have continued to provide inspiration as people she can relate to and model herself after. ?She is particularly inspired by the life and career of Michelle Obama, reading her books and incorporating her work ethic throughout her career.

Joella recounts, “I have been fortunate enough to be surrounded by African American women in particular, who have all shaped my life in one way or another.”

As a military kid, Christina Lundy grew up in Germany and traveled to several places around the world. Since she moved around many times throughout her childhood, she believes there were parts of Black history she was never told about.

She elaborates,?"I discovered gaps in my education regarding Black history that traditional schooling hadn't covered. Black History Month provides an opportunity to fill those knowledge gaps and learn about aspects that may not have been previously explored or brought to our awareness."

Kaela Walker was also born to military parents, living in Japan when she was a child. She recounts her experiences navigating different cultures, saying, "I felt like growing up, I was always trying to be someone else or fit into the crowds. But I feel like now as an adult, I'm ok with just being myself and being ok with that."

Christina's frequent relocations have cultivated a positive perspective on life, as she's had the chance to immerse herself in diverse cultures. She recounts, “When I was little, I was shy. However, as a little girl, I loved to dance. But, due to my shyness, I did not try out for something that I loved. Now, as a more mature person, I realize that it's ok to be get outside your comfort zone. You know, those are things that make you who you are. Don't deprive yourself of opportunities because you're too fearful to go for it and get outside your box.”

She has come to accept herself and embrace her personality through her role. She says, “As I develop through my career, I’ve learned to be who you authentically are. Know what your strengths are and what your weaknesses are.”

Fleet Manager Tyrone V. Ambrose, MBA, SPSM has been with Southwest Key for 10 years. Before he was a part of the Southwest Key familia, he was in the military for 20 years, where he learned how to be a leader, exemplifying integrity and becoming mission-oriented in his work.

He describes the late Bishop Nathaniel Holcomb as a key source of influence in his life, as he often pointed him to God, who informs everything he does. He shares, “Bishop Holcomb taught me everything you do is unto God - even your work. You're doing it for the company, but you are also doing it towards God. Anything you do, you want to do very well.”

Tyrone highly recommends looking into local museum exhibits and other resources to become better educated on Black history. He recounts visiting the National Museum of African American History & Culture in Washington, DC, where he was impressed by the representation of slavery, civil rights activists, and athletes among other pieces of Black history in America.

Tyrone says, “Black History Month takes you back to where Black or people of color came from. It makes you acknowledge the pioneers that made ways for people of color or Black people. Black History Month is not just for Black people, but I think it's for all different races to acknowledge the struggle of how Black people came to where they're at now.”

Like Joella L. Brooks says, “Black History is a critical part of American history, and you don't know American history if you don't know Black history.”

As we celebrate Black History Month, these members of Southwest Key’s familia provide strong reminders of the importance of embracing diversity. Southwest Key is proud to be a part of Black history and participate in a growing legacy of Black excellence.