Tevin Ali came to Washington, D.C. in 2016 as a science student. He left with something he didn't know he had.
Selected as student speaker at The Washington Center’s (TWC) 2016 commencement ceremony and recipient of the Professional Growth Award, Tevin discovered a passion for public speaking and storytelling. What followed was a decade-long career that most people don't see coming from a science foundation: national media features, two Amazon bestselling books, back-to-back Employee of the Year honors in local government and a motivational speaking practice reaching audiences across the country.
What made you decide to apply to TWC?
A recruiter visited my university and presented pathways in science, leadership and professional development that went beyond anything I'd seen. I was searching for something that would stretch me beyond the classroom. TWC’s Academic Internship Program felt like the next level.
What concerns did you have going in?
Finances and uncertainty were the big ones. What moved me forward was being awarded scholarships and securing my internship with STEMconnector. Those opportunities didn't just ease the financial burden, they affirmed that I belonged in that space.
What was your light bulb moment?
Realizing I didn't have to be confined to a single path. I could merge my foundation in science with business, leadership and communication and build something uniquely my own. That realization took me from following a path to creating one — including pursuing a combined science and business graduate program at Johns Hopkins, where I graduated at the top of my class and was selected from 3,400 applicants nationwide for a $20,000 scholarship.
How have the skills you gained at TWC shaped your career?
Being selected as a commencement speaker helped me discover a passion for public speaking and storytelling I didn't know I had. Ten years later, that discovery has shown up everywhere.
I've been featured in The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, USA Today and PBS. I've published two books, both reaching number one on Amazon's bestseller list. In local government, I've been named Employee of the Year twice in two different departments and received Palm Beach County's highest public service honor, the Golden Palm Award.
What would you say to someone on the fence in applying to the Academic Internship Program?
Take the leap. Growth rarely happens in comfort. The choices you make when you're challenged the most reveal your potential. This experience is worth finding out who you can become.
Tevin Ali is a Public Information Officer for Palm Beach County Parks and Recreation, a two-time bestselling author and a motivational speaker. He attended TWC’s Academic Internship Program in the summer of 2016.
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