Today we’d like to introduce you to DeShawyna Walker.
Hi DeShawyna, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
My story has been all over the place, literally. In true Gemini fashion, I have lived everywhere I’ve ever wanted to live, and any career or idea I’ve had, I have explored. I had my own clothing line; I had a podcast, I was in the Army, I had a 12+ year career as a police dispatcher, worked in the medical field, etc. You name it; I’ve done it lol. My last job as an office manager led me to this point. There’s nothing anyone can tell me about God intervening on your behalf when you ask Him for a change. I was stuck in a job where I eventually realized that progression was never going to come. I prayed and asked God to remove me from that job. I applied for a position with the City of Princeton that was paying way less than what I was currently making, but I didn’t care; I wanted out. I interviewed with the city and received a call advising I did not get THAT position, but instead, they CREATED a position for me! You can’t make this stuff up! And it was paying more than I was currently making! This job is not a job, it is a career, and ever since being hired on, I have accomplished some pretty awesome things. Going to work with the thought every day that God did not bless me with this job to go in there and be mediocre drives me. I put together the presentation for the Mayor and City Council and will be assisting in spearheading Mayor Brianna Chacon’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion program for the city of Princeton; I am in the process of creating the City’s Business Retention and Expansion program, I created the process and procedures for our brand-new Community Center which just opened, and I am working with a few big box stores to bring them into the City of Princeton. All of that in just a short six months after coming in with absolutely no experience is no small feat. I’m excited about my future with the City of Princeton and cannot wait to see where else it takes me.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Coming into a new career at the age of 47 was very difficult, but I knew that I had the passion and the drive to achieve success. As soon as I was offered my new position with the City of Princeton, I decided to dive head first into it and I began reading books and write-ups on what being an economic development coordinator and community development coordinator entailed so I would excel, letting the City of Princeton know they made the right choice when they created that position for me.
What does success mean to you?
Defining success is always doing the right thing. Keep your integrity intact and at the end of the day, everything else will work itself out. Success is not about the money. Success is about who you are as a person, and what you do as a person determines your success.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.princetontx.gov
Image Credits
Kearstin.photo@gmail.com
