Tanisha’s journey began when she took on one of her first managerial roles in payroll—a step that would eventually lead her to pursue higher education. Before joining Alray, Tanisha faced a number of obstacles. Time and financial stress were constant companions, but they didn’t deter her from reaching for more. “Academically, it was always very challenging, either financial challenges or just time,” she reflects. “Balancing all of that with life was difficult, but it was something I had to face.”
What makes Tanisha’s journey so unique is that her whole family became part of the Alray Scholars community. “My son was the one who first contacted and found Alray. We were all influenced by his relationship with the program and how they supported his mission in graduating,” she shares. Her son’s success motivated Tanisha to apply, and she became the second member of her family to join. Not long after, her daughter followed suit and became the third member of their family to benefit from the program. Having her family involved created an even deeper sense of community and support for Tanisha. “Being the first cheerleader for my son, and then having my daughter join the program too—it created this sense of camaraderie,” Tanisha recalls. The strength of her family’s shared experience within the program helped Tanisha stay grounded and focused on her goals.
The Alray Scholars Program proved to be more than just a scholarship—it was a lifeline. Juggling academics, personal life, and work responsibilities was no easy feat, but she managed to stay focused on her end goal. “There were a lot of heavy obstacles,” Tanisha admits, “but just chugging through and staying positive helped me stay on track.”
With the emotional and financial support of the Alray Scholars Program, she was able to navigate those tough times and keep moving forward. Her mentor played a particularly vital role, offering guidance, encouragement, and a listening ear when she needed it most. “Just feeling like I had support from my mentor and the team—helping me with everything from enrolling to creating my curriculum, managing my schedule, and even dealing with finances—was such a huge relief,” she says. “Whenever I felt stressed out, I knew I could turn to them for help.”
Tanisha graduated with a degree in business, a natural choice given her extensive background in payroll and HR. “I’ve been filling that role for quite a while, so getting the degree just solidified that I’m well-qualified,” she says. The confidence that came with graduation was priceless. “It was always in the back of my head, this self-consciousness about not having the degree. So gaining that confidence after having graduated, I would say, has been huge.”
Today, Tanisha is an HR Director, a role she is excelling in. As she continues her career and navigates new opportunities, she remains a shining example of how far determination, hard work, and community can take you. Reflecting on her experience, Tanisha has a deep sense of gratitude for the Alray Scholars Program. “It’s just really great to know that there’s a program out there when you’re having struggles like I had,” she says. “For me, it helped me achieve the goals I always put off and didn’t think I would be able to achieve. So that’s just a great feeling to have.”
“Just feeling like I had support from my mentor and the team—helping me with everything from enrolling to creating my curriculum, managing my schedule, and even dealing with finances—was such a huge relief. Whenever I felt stressed out, I knew I could turn to them for help.”