Name: Kay
Age: 20s
Location: Utica
Occupation: Quality Engineering
What are your top 3 interests?: Home improvement projects, meeting people and learning their stories, and discovering new places, cultures, and adventures.
Tell us about yourself! Who are you?: Moved to Utica at the age of 19 as an International student. While in College, I interned and worked at multiple tech and community-based companies and graduated in 2018 to begin a full-time role at Indium Corporation – Utica’s Technology Company. Since graduation, I have continued to be involved and serve in different capacities – and more importantly to encourage other International students and Young Professionals to consider moving to the City that Loves Refugees. I am currently enrolled in an Executive MBA program and the Co-Founder of an Educational Consulting company called Safari Study that helps minority and International students apply to undergraduate and graduate programs in their dream schools; because we all deserve a shot at the American Dream.
Why should we feature you?: I am Utica’s spirit animal – I rose from the dust! I was one no one thought would make it through college with all the stakes stacked against me, but I graduated and had a full-time offer of my dream job at Indium Corporation before graduation. I stayed in my dream city and continue to serve her, recently as the youngest Board member of the Community Foundation. I live the American Dream every day because of Utica.
What do you love about living here?: Utica is home for me. I have spent my adult years discovering myself and my passions and hitting new milestones in this little city – because of the support and stability she has given me.
What is Upstate, NY to you?: HOME
Are you originally from here?: No
If yes, have you ever left and came back? : No – Utica is stuck with me,
If no, where are you from?: Nigeria
How long have you lived here?: 7 years
Why do YOU choose to live here?: The vibrant, welcoming community, community leaders who provide platforms for me to rise, affordable cost of living, beautiful nature to enjoy- the list goes on and on
List some of your favorite, local “must-visit” hot spots:: In the summers, I love taking a walk at Proctor Park. It is usually filled with families from different ethnicities supporting each other to live healthier lives while also enjoying nature, family time, and sometimes, a meal. I love cultural cuisines, and Utica has many ethnic places I enjoy: I can trust C2J Restaurant for my Jamaican fix, Soul One12 for soul food options, and Taj Mahal for good ol’ Indian food.
List some of your favorite, local “must-do” activities:: Volunteer at a local non-profit, visit different cultural restaurants, or go for a walk in one of the parks, preferably with a local friend. In the Summer, attend a Levitt concert (bring a friend), go to Saranac Thursdays, and/or come to my house for Nigerian food.
