We had the good fortune of connecting with Marsenia Mathis and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Marsenia, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
Success can be achieved when you try your best in all aspects of everything you do, even if that doesn’t lead to big results. If you’ve done your best, you should feel proud of your efforts. Like many, I grew up equating money, climbing the corporate ladder, and power with success, and for a short time, that framed my definition. But as I’ve matured and experienced life, that has changed. You see, success is a very personal thing for me. What drives one individual may be radically different for another. To me success is not about money. It’s not about power. It’s not about titles. It’s about achieving peace with who you are as a person knowing you have made a difference in someone else’s life. That is my definition of success and the most important factor that has attributed to mine. I have been established in my career as a Scientist and as a black woman in STEM for 13 years. I see very few women of color in STEM fields and it motivates me continuously to be a role model for others that want to pursue this career path. My brand, The Nerdy CEO got its start with a simple idea…..to give individuals useful methods for accomplishing their professional dreams and goals. I love the idea of motivating people and helping them realize their full potential. It was created genuinely out of my desire to help other working women and men achieve success in their careers. I’m always wanting to learn more, improve myself and the world around me. Over the years, I have found my career as a Scientist to be rewarding on so many levels, but I have also realized that my purpose is so much bigger than that. My hope is to teach individuals how to live, work, and earn on their own terms by giving them the resources they need to do so.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I chase infectious diseases during the day as a Scientist and I’m a passionate femalepreneur that helps my tribe pursue & chase their very own careers by night. With over 13 years of global and domestic research experience, I have established my career providing scientific expertise and problem-solving solutions for both industry and government entities. For the past eight years, I have spent countless hours studying infectious diseases by way of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I’ve always had an inherent fascination with the functioning of living things and how they work so it was without a doubt my career path would be in the sciences. I love the idea of solving problems, identifying solutions, and helping others which is why I am also passionate about mentoring and empowering women (and men) to believe in and follow their dreams. I am the founder, creator, and Chief Executive Officer of The Nerdy CEO. My Brand/Business empowers others to take their career to the next level who’s looking for change in the corporate world. Change meaning: 1. Gaining the right support, resources, and confidence to ask for more in the workplace AND 2. Those that desire to start their own business but don’t where or how to begin. I love teaching and helping my tribe how to take control of their careers by not settling for complacency and learning how to ask for more. We offer professional services, brand products, and resources, to help educate and encourage individuals to pursue and follow their dreams ensuring that they have the support, self-confidence, and conviction to achieve their goals.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Atlanta is known for being hot, also known as HOTlanta and the city has no shortage of fun things to do. Having said that, I am a complete social butterfly who loves a good theme to a party or event and I’m obsessed with all ethnic foods and outdoor excursions. I am huge fan of fine dining and I particularly enjoy restaurants that gives you a fun vibe, good ambiance, and overall great food so the following restaurants would be at the top of my list to visit with my friend: Imperial Fez Moroccan restaurant, Benihana, Loca Luna, Desta Ethopian Kitchen, South City Kitchen, and Nan Thai Fine Dining. Depending on the season, we would probably attend a professional sporting event (Atlanta Falcons, Atlanta Hawks, or Atlanta Braves) and just kick back watching sports. Taking a tour of The Center for Civil and Human Rights Museum, World of Coca Cola, and GA Aquarium are also among some entertaining activities. And if a friend were visiting me, I would probably close the visit out by hosting a private event at my home with a few other friends and relatives having food, cocktails, and conversations and there’s a good chance it will have a theme :).

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I can’t take credit for the success of my career path. There’s no way I could have gotten here all by myself. There are many whom have played an intricate part in adding value to my success but I have to single out a few people. 1. My parents. They have always encouraged and supported me in my endeavors. They championed that what I learn, no one can ever take away from me. My mother instilled in me the importance of being independent and self-sufficient. 2. Two of my major professors from undergraduate and graduate school, Dr. Mustapha Durojaiye and the late Dr. Lee Allen Aggison, Jr. They both provided opportunities for me to grow and excel as a Scientist. 3. My husband who shows me every single day that I can be anything and do anything I set my mind to. 4. My two sisters whom have taught me to be unapologetically and authentically me.

Website: www.thenerdyceo.com
Instagram: instagram.com/thenerdyceo
Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/marsenia-mathis-6938021a1
Facebook: facebook.com/thenerdyceo

Image Credits
GDemeritte Photography, Cobpix Photography, JAM Photography