I met Ray the same way I find all the essentials in my life: online. From roommates to toilet paper, the Internet has always been my source for life. After getting feedback from Deloitte colleagues to “choose more interesting photos” and “get to the point” in my bio, I came across a handsome gentleman in a suit. Normally, I would play gender roles and wait for my suitor, but online I felt empowered to go on the prowl. Yes, I did it! Although he had previously “liked” me, I messaged him first! It went a little something like this: Apaxionar0407: Well don’t you seem fun? Your pics are interesting. Mends84: Wait, is that a real tiger?? You are NUTS! Apaxionar0407: Yes, that’s a real tiger 😳 Mends84: Wow you are def. crazy. You couldn’t pay me to hang out with a tiger lol 🙈 Apaxionar0407: I bet I could talk you into it. As you can see, our relationship started out as a conversation about being bold and me forcing Ray out of his comfort zone; and I can honestly say that life with Ray has been nothing short of an adventure ever since.

Anyone who knows Nkiruka knows how much mentorship means to her and how much she loves the Patrick Healy Fellowship (PHF) from her alma mater, Georgetown University. I had been to several PHF events and loved everything about it. When I found out they were having a 20th anniversary celebration where nearly 100 fellows would descend upon the Hilltop, I couldn't think of a better place to ask her to go on this journey with me. I reached out to Esther Owolabi and Taylor Griffin, two of my favorites from PHF, to help me plan. They pretty much organized the whole thing. They confirmed the plan with Rhon Barras, since she was the last speaker before the final toast, and she gave me the floor. I was super nervous. My palms were sweating. The room was hot and all eyes were on me! Big shout out to Jason Low for capturing the moment on video. Needless to say, I asked the love of my life to marry me and she said YES!!! and here we are planning our wedding day. I am so excited to celebrate with each and every one of you!