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FUTURE SECURITY
ALEXUS MADDOX: FUTURE SECURITY
by Jim Warner
Ask Computer Information Systems (CIS) and Accountancy major Alexus Maddox what inspired her to explore a career in cyber security, and the answer is simple, “I wanted to work in a career where I felt like I was making every day count.” Alexus’ passion for making a difference reflects both her commitment to academic excellence and building a better tomorrow for her community.
Alexus, while still in high school, got an early start in her career path as a Humana scholar. As part of the Humana Scholars program, is Alexus guaranteed a job every summer until she graduates, with the hopes of a job offer upon graduation. The scholarship—focused on Black student achievement—pays for her education. Her focus nearly from the start was cyber security. “I really wanted to engage in computer science because it’s a subject I love,” says Alexus. “In cyber security… being able to protect people’s private information and preventing data breaches, means I get to help others.”
Her drive to change the community around her is reflected in her extra-curricular activity on campus where she serves as treasurer for both the American Association of University Women (AAUW)—UofL and the National Association of
Alexus Maddox, Humana Scholar
ALEXUS MADDOX: FUTURE SECURITY
Black Accountants (NABA), Greater Louisville Area. Both organizations are geared towards personal and professional development through advocacy, engagement, and education—with an eye to extending those opportunities to women and Black, Indigenous, People of Color (BIPOC) students.
Being in a leadership role in each organization underscores a desire to not only be a member but to be an active participant. Advocating for one’s community means tomorrow’s leaders need to understand the stakes when it comes to having a seat at the table. “Being able to provide professional opportunities to all ethnicities gives us something that we can call our own,” says Alexus. “[NABA] talks about financial literacy—which is really important for the Black community. It’s important for all of us to have access to these opportunities.”
