Last December, 2021 FOSSI scholar JonMari McKinley graduated with an electrical engineering degree from North Carolina A&T State University. He is currently working for his FOSSI sponsor company, CPChem, as a field support engineer in Pasadena, TX. Recently, we caught up with JonMari to discuss his inspiring journey, how the FOSSI scholarship shaped his success, and his advice for future scholars.
Could you share some memorable experiences from your time at North Carolina A&T State University? What aspects of college life stood out to you, and were there any surprises along the way?
One of the most memorable aspects of my time at North Carolina A&T State University was the transition from homeschooling to a structured college setting. Getting used to the college schedule, lecture halls, and overall pace of university life was a learning curve, but it helped me grow both academically and personally.
Another fondly remembered aspect of my journey was being surrounded by Black excellence from across the country. Seeing so many driven, talented, and ambitious people was inspiring and motivating. It reaffirmed a sense of pride and community that I hadn't fully felt before. The connections I made with faculty, classmates, and the larger A&T community will stay with me for a lifetime. I never expected to be as involved as I was, but in hindsight, I'm grateful for the opportunities to participate, contribute, and grow in such a supportive and dynamic environment.
How did the FOSSI scholarship shape your college journey at North Carolina A&T State University? What kind of impact did it have on your academic and personal growth?
First and foremost, I would not have been able to attend my dream school, North Carolina A&T State University, without FOSSI funding, which I will always be grateful for. The scholarship not only alleviated the financial burden of college but also allowed me to concentrate entirely on my studies and career objectives.
Beyond financial support, FOSSI provided invaluable resources that aided my personal and professional development. Programs on financial literacy and soft skills provided me with critical knowledge, while mentorship from my sponsoring company, CPChem, was instrumental in shaping my career path. Their advice helped me navigate opportunities, gain industry insights, and lay a solid foundation for the future.
In short, FOSSI did far more than make my education possible; it also enriched my college experience in unexpected ways, for which I am grateful.
Can you tell us about your current career or educational pursuits? How has your college experience influenced where you are today?
I currently work as a Field Support Engineer for Chevron Phillips Chemical Company (CPChem) in Pasadena, TX. My responsibilities include coordinating and executing technical projects while upholding our company's core values of safety, innovation, sustainability, and efficiency. The best part? I get to engineer and drive changes that are impactful for the company. Working for my sponsor company has been extremely rewarding because it allows me to contribute to an organization that has helped me progress from college to a professional career.
The education and experiences I gained at North Carolina A&T State University helped prepare me for this position. Many of the technical skills and personal lessons I learned in the classroom still apply to my work today. A&T provided me with not only a solid academic foundation but also the confidence and adaptability I needed to succeed in my career. I feel prepared to take on new challenges and grow within CPChem.
In what ways did the FOSSI mentorship and/or internship opportunities help prepare you for your professional journey after graduation?
The mentoring I received from FOSSI was invaluable in shaping my professional path. Not only did I benefit from my assigned personal mentor, but the program's presentations and resources also provided valuable guidance. I am deeply grateful for the time and wisdom that my mentor, Erica Stewart, has shared and continues to share with me. Her support assisted me in navigating my goals, making informed decisions, and ultimately shaping my future for success.
My internship with CPChem was one of the most impactful experiences I've ever had, and it's still one of my favorite opportunities today. As a Safety Integrated Systems Intern in Sweeny, TX, I gained hands-on technical experience while developing long-term relationships with colleagues who became like family—many of whom I still communicate with today.
Thanks to FOSSI's mentorship and my internship experience, I felt confident and prepared as I began my career at CPChem after graduation. I'm excited about what the future holds and grateful for the solid foundation these opportunities provided.
What advice would you offer to current and future FOSSI scholars as they work toward building a successful career after college?
My biggest advice to current and future FOSSI scholars is: network, network, network! Stay connected with your faculty, friends, classmates, and colleagues—these relationships can open doors you never expected.
Push yourself out of your comfort zone. Accept challenges, seek out new learning experiences, and seize opportunities that may appear intimidating at first. Growth occurs when you are willing to venture into the unknown. Even if the path ahead isn't always clear, believe that the knowledge and skills you gain along the way will be worthwhile.
Ask questions, stay curious, and most importantly, have a vision for yourself. Take the time to map out where you want to go in your career and take intentional steps to move in that direction. Success doesn’t happen by chance—it happens when you actively work toward becoming the person you aspire to be.
So my question to you is: Who is the person you want to become, and what steps are you taking today to make that vision a reality?
We invite companies not currently supporting FOSSI to build their pipeline of outstanding and diverse talent by supporting a FOSSI scholar. Learn more.