Liberal Arts alumna finds purpose in entrepreneurship and women’s empowerment

UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Khadesia “Keke” Walker, a 2019 Penn State economics graduate, took what she learned through her academic experience plus her online boutique to create #ImAGirlBOSS workshops to teach young girls about women’s empowerment.

What started as a T-shirt line to promote women’s empowerment and a way to support herself through an ADHD diagnosis became an avenue for Walker to give back to her community.

At the start of her college journey, the New Haven, Connecticut, native was an engineering major at Penn State, but she soon realized she was intrigued by a different area of interest. After taking a couple of required economics courses, Walker made the switch.

“I liked taking the economics classes, even though they were introductory classes,” Walker said. “It worked out because it was broad enough to branch out into any sector I wanted and learn the overall business and finance ideas.”

Walker emphasized that although it’s been challenging, remaining consistent in work ethic and patience has been key — both as a Penn State student and now as an alumna. Reminding herself of the reasons she invested in her projects is what keeps her motivated, she said.

“The most rewarding part is sharing my story and experiences like this,” Walker said. “My experience at Penn State played a huge role in where I am now. Being there allowed me to open my eyes differently, to see things in a new light, and pushed me to grow.”

As a Lion Ambassador at Penn State Altoona, Walker gained skills through facilitating events and supporting incoming first-year students, skills which she transferred to her current business venture and workshops. When she first arrived at Penn State‘s University Park campus she also became involved in the Black Student Union and the Caribbean Student Association.

“Those experiences allowed me to connect and be friends with people from all over the world,” Walker said. “Having the opportunity to meet so many people helped with conducting business and doing pageants.”

Pageantry is something that has helped Walker become confident in finding herself and confident in sharing her story, she said. Walker, crowned Miss World America Northeast, said pageants taught her to lead with purpose, especially with her “Keke Mary Styles” online boutique.

“My purpose is my driving force,” Walker said. “Yes, I have the outfits and accessories for women, but the other aspect is my #ImAGirlBOSS initiative. That is where purpose comes into play. I am creating pieces with statements of thoughtful messaging, and it goes way beyond just the T-shirt.”

After being diagnosed with ADHD, Walker said there were moments when she felt overwhelmed and alone, but that the experience fueled her purpose as well.

“I did not know who to open up to about it, but when I did begin opening up more and sharing my experiences, I realized that many young people were going through the same feelings,” she said. “My workshops are like an interactive roadmap that leads young girls toward self-confidence, self-discovery and career objectives.”

Walker said she could not have done it without the support of her very own group of “girl bosses” surrounding her; the women in her family have all had a piece in this passion project. From watching her mother start a business when she was younger; her grandmother, Mary, who encouraged her to be her true self; and her sister, Hlaleleni "Shasha" Walker, who helped her create her first online storefront to sell the upcycled clothes, the entrepreneur said a “girl boss” is more than just a woman who holds a higher position in her career.

“To me, a ‘girl boss’ is a woman or young lady who goes after the things she likes while staying authentic to who she is,” she said. “That could mean going after their dream to start a business, pursuing a dream career, or simply showing up for their loved ones and being a positive force.”

As she plans for future online business expansions, Walker encouraged others to be patient with themselves and their new journeys.

“If you do not fit in a box, take a chance, step into a new one or create your own, and do not be afraid,” she said. “That is all part of the big scheme of life and the big scheme in the story. And, if it does not look like the outcome you want at that moment, that is also part of the story. Eventually, you will reach your destination when the time is right.”