Today we’d like to introduce you to Britney Gilkey
Hi Britney, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, my parents, Stephon and Raylette, instilled in me the value of community and service. One of my earliest memories is volunteering with my parents through Habitat for Humanity; the mission was fixing a roof. I was undoubtedly prepared to climb the ladder to do my part with my Barney backpack in tow. Apparently, it is frowned upon to let six-year-olds engage in roof work, so my service that day was playing with the six-year-old daughter of the homeowners. This experience was one of many instances in which I learned the importance of being a team member and the importance of all roles.
My parents have taught me throughout my life that community is priceless. Despite my location, my goals have always been to find community, give back to it, and celebrate its growth. I am grateful to have grown up with such solid people in my corner, and I have ensured that I pursue creating genuine connections for myself and my family. Being the oldest sibling has inclined me to establish myself as a resource for my younger brothers. Community is about participating and modeling behaviors so we can co-construct our realities.
My high school pathway was in Communications Media Arts, and I had ambitions for a career in journalism. In my senior year, this all pivoted after winning a debate in my psychology course. This led me to select psychology as my major at Kentucky State University, a Historically Black College and University. My time at this university was pivotal to my growth and the change in trajectory. As the alma mater for my parents, I went to campus sure of the community that awaited me, and I was not disappointed. I learned much from everyday interactions and serving as a university court justice. Despite transferring from the institution, I always maintained my connections. I actively participate as a member of the alumni association.
After transferring, I enrolled in community college while deciding which university I would complete my degree. I could rant about the credit due to community colleges and their pertinence in education; I am grateful for this transitional piece in my educational pursuit. Indiana University won my application and I enrolled; I only needed half the required credit hours to finish my bachelor’s degree. An elective in Industrial-Organizational psychology grabbed my interest. I focused on psychology in the workforce and completed my bachelor’s in 2013. A failed attempt to pursue this field for my master’s degree led me to learn about Adult Education, a sister program. Surprisingly, Indiana University offered this degree, and I enrolled in 2019. During my matriculation, I was heartbroken and enthralled by Adult Basic Education and, more so, the disparities within literacy. I completed my master’s in Adult Education in 2021. This shift in focus brought into focus the opportunity to fulfill my passion for advocacy and community service through my educational pursuit, which prompted my enrollment into the doctoral program for Adult Education at the University of Memphis. I always emphasize my education because it has been a great measure of balance; whether formally or informally, education has challenged me while ironically bringing me respite.
While education is pertinent to me, I have always continued to volunteer. After relocating to Houston mere weeks before Hurricane Harvey, I found the expansion of my community. Aligning myself with several organizations that work toward creating social justice, equity, and community service has solidified and fortified my residency. I have volunteered with various organizations, including the Friends of the Houston Public Library, San Jacinto Girl Scouts, Knowing Your Worth, and the Houston Food Bank. Currently, I am a Harris County Voter Deputy Registrar, the secretary for the Houston Metro Chapter (HTXBreds) of Kentucky State University National Alumni Association, along with being an active member of Houston Area Urban League Young Professionals, Junior League of Houston, and the League of Women Voters.
Of the capacities I serve in, the scholarship committee for Kentucky State and the Advocacy and Civic Engagement committee within the Urban League Young Professionals are two of my most prized roles. Being a part of a scholarship committee can be intense as students entrust you with transparent moments. It has been a great honor to participate in the awarding of scholarships to deserving students. Being engaged as a voter deputy registrar has also further propelled my commitment to finding ways to amplify the voices of others. I am a product of my environment, raised by community-minded persons who instilled the power of education, and I am glad to see that my life has mirrored these powerful principles.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I will always acknowledge that the road I have traveled has been smooth. For as long as I can remember, I have had unparalleled support from my family, friends, and educators, and I am forever grateful for this privilege. I have never thought I would be unable to succeed and overcome obstacles. Though my road has been smooth, it has been winding. As a young mom, my kids (Kayden and Niya) have witnessed the triumphs and failures in my adult life, and they have been my cheerleaders.
I started my undergraduate journey at Kentucky State University, where I excelled in my first year. My sophomore year was unconventional for multiple reasons. Misinformation given by an off-campus apartment complex left me without housing for the first two months of the semester. Community has saved me; my parents kept my son during that time, and friends off campus allowed me to stay in their spaces until my apartment was available. I ended my time at Kentucky State at the end of my sophomore year and moved back with my parents in 2009. The following semester, I enrolled in community college and worked for temporary agencies. What I title as my odd jobs stint, I worked selling credit cards, an afterschool program for teens with refugee status, and grading standardized tests for various states. Over these three roles, I had some of my most rewarding and exhausting days. I think of this portion of my life when people mention character-building moments.
In 2011, thanks to my community, I juggled working a new full-time job and being a full-time student and parent; my days started at 5 am, and due to construction, I often retired for the night at 11:00 pm. I was thankful to have finished my bachelor’s and reduced my load. Despite my schedule, I continued volunteering in different capacities; a significant experience was volunteering at a halfway house. Hearing the heart-wrenching stories of those surviving addictions was a humbling and motivating experience. A week after graduation, I moved to Cincinnati, Ohio, to pursue my master’s degree. This was a failed attempt, as I could not manage the scheduling and long commutes; school at that time was unrealistic. However, my move taught me resilience and perseverance. Though a second delay in my education was upsetting, I knew it was the right choice for myself and my kids.
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It would be a six-year gap between my degrees. While searching for my next program, I ended up in Houston with my significant other, Kyle, a former classmate turned love who encouraged my educational pursuit. Houston has been the reward to my winding path and where I have found my mission to help straighten the paths for others. My current greatest struggle is finding balance in all aspects. At this point in my life, balance is no longer like juggling; instead, it is a feat of organizing. Being fulfilled in my career has allowed me to enjoy my passions. The road I am on may still be winding, but it is foremost by choice, and it is a scenic and beautiful route.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Compliance is the connecting piece to all that I do. By day, I work in the healthcare insurance field as a Senior Compliance professional. I enjoy reading and, more importantly, reading the fine print. Being nosey about the fine print has propelled my interest in technical documents; I have copies of bylaws for organizations I participate in and enjoy finding the changes in the updates—this interest in technical documents aligned perfectly with my daily duty of reading House and Senate bills. My job is to ensure that mandates are implemented in my company’s policies and procedures. In my role, I am known for my dedication. I am admittedly an overthinker in which I find beauty and strength. This challenge has allowed me to see policy from a larger picture aspect. I can anticipate multiple angles from which the legislation will impact my company and our clients. I am a researcher, and above all, I strive for efficiency and quality.
Understanding compliance and the intricacies of policy formulation is the foundation of my educational interests. The complexity of policy is a key proponent for understanding individual impacts. After my day job, I am a learner. I am two semesters from completing all my coursework in the online program at the University of Memphis. Much of what I do at work mirrors my dissertation interests, which focus on Adult Basic Education learners and how legislation impacts Adult Basic Education programming. My interest in this area has blossomed and taken its own life. Thanks to my upbringing that emphasized serving the community and the amazing educators who have been pivotal in helping me develop as an academic, such as Professor DaRelle Rollins, who taught me in my first year to think unfiltered and critically, that our choices are always more than what they seem. Also, Dr. Amy Pickard pivoted my entire educational trajectory with her paper, Barriers to Access in Public Adult Literacy Education. She has mentored me as a champion for Adult Basic Education learners. The best of my education is being able to apply theory and practical applications to the rest of my life.
Along with working full-time and being a student, I am also the founder of Zuri Gifts. This nonprofit focuses on creating access. Our primary focus is to reduce barriers that people face accessing menstrual supplies. Talking about periods was never taboo in my household while growing up; my dad was a resource coordinator and housed the menstrual items for students at his school. Thanks to this, I grew up with no shame surrounding my period. In 2016, I experienced an irregular period that inspired me to create Zuri Gifts, whose underlying meaning is beautiful gifts. I remember thinking I was fortunate to be able to afford the additional supplies and comforts I needed during that time. My second thought was about those who did not have these material advantages. Shortly after, the first Zuri Gift bag containing menstrual items was given at a soup kitchen in Louisville, Kentucky.
After relocating to Houston, I expanded and formalized the organization, and in 2020, we acquired our 501(c)3 status. Since then, Zuri Gifts has worked with many organizations in Houston, including schools, rehabilitation centers, clothes closets, partnering with sororities and fraternities, and various community health fairs. Just as importantly, we have connected directly to individuals in immediate need. We have been throughout the city and surrounding areas of Houston. Zuri Gifts also continues to reach back and work with organizations in Louisville, Kentucky, and send supplies to those in need during natural disasters in other states. In 2023 alone, Zuri Gifts donated 610 bags with over 10,000 items. This year, we have met 75% of our outreach goal before the end of 2nd quarter. Zuri Gifts will continue to make our stamp by helping people with periods. We believe that everyone loves someone with a period, and period poverty impacts us all.
Community service is about improving the quality of life for others. As community members, we must use our privileges to remove barriers that inhibit others. I hope to continue creating social justice within education and through Zuri Gifts. We must commit to empowering individuals and removing barriers to uplift our communities. Caring enough to learn where these barriers have been placed and how we reduce or eliminate them is where I intend to continue my life’s work. My understanding of being a community member positions me to stand out, but only in the hopes that others can see that change is achievable if we seek to create it. Being a community member is a lifetime commitment, and I have chosen to contribute through social action.
How do you think about happiness?
Reading is one of my greatest joys because it is the basis of many interactions. I can incorporate the practice and outcomes of reading into all aspects of my life. I use it to connect with my family. My teens are advanced and independent readers and increasingly not interested in reading aloud with me; therefore, I opt to and enjoy talking to them about their interests based on their book choices and our book-buying outings. Reading has made me a better advocate for those in my community and family. I have found books to be a brave space for reflection, critical thinking, dialogue, and the means for immersion in adventure. The book clubs I engage in have allowed me to create connections with people from varying generations and walks of life. Reading has been the ultimate component of my self-development and establishing connections with others. I firmly believe that all answers are within a book; sometimes, those books are housed in libraries, and other times, in the journals that hold our own handwriting. Reading is education; education is the first step to equity and liberation.
Equally important to me is spending time with those in my personal community. Outings are always fun, but I love to spend time with my loved ones in home settings. Home celebrations are unparalleled fun, whether it is game nights, birthday parties, or watching sports. I am really grateful that my oldest friends have joined me in Houston and that I have also made so many new friends here. It is amazing that a reason is never needed for us to come together; no matter the circumstance, fun will always be had.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.zurigifts.org
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/journey2drbrit and https://www.instagram.com/zuri.gifts/
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/ZuriGifted
