An unexpected journey through sound

Growing up in Detroit in the 1980s, I never envisioned a career in acoustics…not because I was told I could not but because I wasn’t told I could. I did not learn about the academic and professional opportunities in biomedical ultrasound until halfway through my undergraduate program. But as a doctoral student, the lack of Black representation in acoustics raised many doubts and fears…doubts in my own abilities and fears that the acoustic community would not accept me. I was embraced by members of the ASA, which empowered me to take the road less traveled. I am here today to share how this unexpected journey through sound has shaped me personally and professionally and thoughts on how I and the ASA can continue to broaden participation in acoustics.