GEM-SET

Candice M. Dixon
Electrical Engineering Student
National Society of Black Engineers
Baton Rouge, LA

As an active member of my Junior High School Speech and Debate Team, I, Candice M. Dixon, entered Peabody Magnet High School confident that I would one day become a lawyer and politician. Well, needless to say, those plans have changed. After my high school Chemistry and Physics courses, I soon realized that, with my technological curiosity, science and technology was a field that I would certainly enjoy more. Although never trying to persuade me in any way, having an older sister who is an electrical engineer, and a mother with a math background also helped to influence the change in my career choice.

Growing up, one thing that has always been instilled in me is the fact that with Christ, anything is possible. Therefore, I grew up knowing that being an African American female from a middle to low income single-parent home was not an excuse for anything. In addition, being actively involved in programs like the Girl Scouts for over 13 years and various school activities have surely helped me to become the hardworking, goal-oriented person I am today.

Now, a senior majoring in Electrical Engineering, I am even more confident about my career choice. Currently maintaining a 3.2 grade point average, I am very active in the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) where I have held many leadership positions including serving on the National Executive Board as the Region V Chairperson (2001-2002). I currently serve as the Region V Chair Emeritus/Parliamentarian and have been recognized as a Torchbearer for three consecutive years and a 2001 NSBE Fellow. In addition, I have achieved many academic honors including being part of the inaugural class of Gates Millennium Scholars, a member of Golden Key National Honor Society, and Eta Kappa Nu (Electrical Engineering Honor Society) .

After graduating with Honors in May of 2003 from Southern University, having defended my thesis well, I plan to enter graduate school in the area of Computer Science. My long term goal is to build my own engineering firm. Eventually, I hope to pursue a career in academia.