Trinidadian born Malika Grayson recently earned her PhD from Cornell University and knew from an early age that she was going to help others.
In an interview posted on the Cornell University website, Grayson said,
“You can’t help yourself without helping someone else. We all need each other..You will be surprised at how much a small gesture can make a difference.”
Growing up in a large family in Trinidad and Tobago (with 10 aunts and uncles on her father’s side), it was normal for Grayson to see her family members helping each other. That instilled in her a desire to help people around her and she knew from an early age that wherever her future took her she would make every effort to help people.
From an early age Grayson loved fixing things and it was no surprise to her family when she decided to study mechanical engineer in university. She attended Adelphi University in New York where she earned a B.Sc with a major in engineering. After graduating she was encouraged to apply for a PhD in mechanical engineering at Cornell University. At Cornell, Grayson earned numerous awards;
- -Rudd Mayer Fellowship in 2015 from the Women of Wind Energy.
- -Zellman Warhaft Commitment to Diversity Award (2015)
- -National Society of Black Engineers Mike Shin Distinguished Member of the Year (2015)
- -Cornell Engineering Hometown Hero (2015),
- -Diversity Programs in Engineering Graduate Student of the Year (2013-2014)
- -Diversity Programs in Engineering Robert Mozia Award for Outstanding Service (2013).
This young Trinidadian woman has blazed the trail for many to follow. She is proof that beauty is more than simply skin deep and caring for others is more important than just looking out for yourself.
Here is Malika at her graduation in May of this year.
https://twitter.com/nsbe/status/736940722247618561
Congrats Dr Malika Grayson, all Trinidadians and people from across the Caribbean are proud of your achievements and we look forward to more in the future.
