Q&A: Kenesha Starling
Kenesha Starling, 2005 alumna, is one of the women featured as part of The Signal’s #HawkHerStory coverage, celebrating Women’s History Month. This special coverage focuses on the stories and perspectives of the various women within the UHCL community.
Read The Signal’s Q&A with Starling below and see the other Q&As conducted with students, faculty, staff, administrators and alumni here.
Q: Can you tell us a bit about yourself, on both a personal and professional/educational level?
A: I have a teenage son, Darius, from whom I receive much of my motivation and inspiration. He constantly reminds me that I must practice what I preach because he, and the rest of the world, is watching.
I received my undergraduate degree from Texas Southern University, Masters from the University of Houston – Clear Lake, and Juris Doctorate from South Texas College of Law – Houston. During law school, I was fortunate to become the first African American Editor in Chief of the South Texas Law Review and obtain my degree with highest honors.
I am currently a law clerk at NASA’s Johnson Space Center where I have spent most of my professional career. I have had the privilege to hold many positions at NASA, the most recent being a law clerk in the Office of General Counsel and a detail to the NASA Headquarters Office of Diversity and Equal Opportunity. However, I soon be an Associate at a Houston law firm, serve as a post law school intern with the Honorable Marvin Isgur in the United States Bankruptcy Court, Southern District of Texas, and a Judicial Clerk for the Honorable Charles Eskridge in the United States District Court, Southern District of Texas.
Q: What are three things you can’t live without?
A: God, family, and my integrity.
Q: Who are some women (real or fictional) you look up to the most? Why?
A: My mother Charlotte because of her unwavering and unconditional love, care, and devotion for and to her family; my Godmother Charzetta and Aunts Bobbie, Cleotha, and Laura because of their strength, wisdom and support of others, particularly members of their family. Since I was little, they have always instilled in me that there is nothing I cannot do, and if anyone says otherwise, I better not believe them; my friends and co-workers Lacelia, Rosalind, and Tiffany because of their professionalism and desire to uplift and support other women, particularly those of color. With every challenge, personal or professional, they remind me that everything happens for a reason and something great is on the other side of what troubles or worries me; Dean Browne-Barbour, Dean Singleton, Professor Moore, and Dean Gibson because they have been, and continue to be, extremely supportive and candid. They are always willing to tell me what I need, not want, to hear in the most caring and motherly way. They always allow, and remind, me to be my full authentic self. Anytime I have doubts or fears, they remind me that I have no choice but to get over them and accomplish that which I never thought possible.
Finally, my sister-in-law Brittany and best friend Brandy, because they remind that I must be my-unapologetic-authentic-self, while never forgetting from where I came. They remind me to give myself permission to be vulnerable, acknowledge that I do not always have to be brave or strong, and that it is ok to have my cry, just not for too long.
I know you asked about women, but I would be remis if I did not mention my Daddy, Kenneth Sr. and brother Kenneth Jr., the epidemy of #GirlDads. Their support and understanding nurtures both my strength and femininity.
Q: What are some problems you anticipate/have encountered as a woman in your field?
A: There are always those who believe that because you are a woman or because you have children there are limits to what you accomplish. However, we continue to dispel that rumor. As women, particularly women of color, we must remember to uplift each other. A win for you is a win for me and vice versa. There is more than enough for us all and to celebrate you does not mean that I think any less of myself. That is something that I aspire to help change. The way the world sees us as black and brown women of color. Supporters and motivators of each other, disposing of the “crabs in a bucket” mentality.
Q: What advice would you give to other women and young girls?
A: There are no limits to what we can accomplish. We can have it all; careers, families, whatever our hearts desire, and we can excel at it all. Will it be easy; no. Will it be worth it; absolutely. If you focus on uplifting one another instead of your next win,” you might be amazed at how prolific OUR wins become.
Anyone that knows me, knows that I appreciate a good quote. Here are a few that I live by: “know your worth, then add tax,” “when someone says you can’t, do it twice and take pictures,” “put your head down and color,” “your opinion of me is none of my business,” and “keep your head, heels, and standards high.”
I think that these summarize the essence of advice I would give women and young girls. We really do have to be the change we wish to see. It is incumbent upon us to show or children that they do not have to be famous to accomplish great things. “Regular people” do amazing things and defeat the odds daily.
Q: Is there anything you would like our readers to know?
A: Believing that you can do anything on your own without assistance or support is unrealistic. Do not be afraid to ask for help. Surround yourself with mentors of all ages, ethnicities and walks of life. Those who will both celebrate you and tell you when you are wrong. Take care of yourself mentally. Mental health is a necessary that goes unaddressed far too often. Most of all, believe in yourself, because if you do not, no one else will.
