Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Stephanie Davies. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.
Stephanie , looking forward to learning from your journey. You’ve got an amazing story and before we dive into that, let’s start with an important building block. Where do you get your work ethic from?
My work ethic is deeply rooted in my personal experiences and family values. I draw inspiration from my maternal grandmother, who raised eight children alone with only a third-grade education. Her resilience and determination shaped my understanding of perseverance. After losing my father to violence when I was just 11 months old, I was raised by my mother and stepfather, who, despite limited formal education, worked tirelessly to provide for our family.
These early lessons in hard work, integrity, and sacrifice carried into my own journey. Starting as a dispatcher and advancing to a successful career in Facilities Engineering, I learned the value of resilience, problem-solving, and continuous growth. As an African American Muslim woman in a non-traditional field, I am deeply committed to challenging stereotypes and uplifting others in my community, especially through mentorship.
My work ethic is a tribute to my family’s legacy of perseverance and my determination to build a path of excellence for those who come after me.
Let’s take a small detour – maybe you can share a bit about yourself before we dive back into some of the other questions we had for you?
I am deeply passionate about financial literacy and empowering others, particularly in minority communities, to build healthier relationships with money. My business, Saving is Sexy DBA Make It Make Sense, focuses on teaching individuals practical strategies to save, manage, and grow their money through workshops, seminars, and one-on-one coaching. I take a creative and relatable approach to financial education, which helps demystify complex financial concepts and makes them accessible to everyone.
One of the most exciting aspects of my work is seeing the transformation in people’s lives when they take control of their finances. Whether it’s a young adult learning how to budget their first paycheck or a family creating a savings plan, I find joy in watching others achieve financial confidence and independence.
Professionally, I’m also proud of my career in Facilities Engineering, a field where I’ve broken barriers as an African American Muslim woman. My journey from dispatcher to a leader in facilities maintenance has taught me the value of resilience and continuous growth, and I enjoy mentoring others to explore non-traditional career paths.
Currently, I’m focused on expanding my financial literacy programming. I recently completed a four-part financial literacy workshop for African American youth and am organizing a mental health seminar on menopause this November. I’m also collaborating on a teen summit to discuss financial literacy and non-traditional careers, and I chair the Atlantic County Women’s Advisory Commission, where I’m working on community initiatives like Black Maternal Health and Breast Cancer Awareness.
Through all my work, my goal remains the same: to educate, inspire, and create opportunities for others to thrive financially and personally. For those looking to connect or collaborate, I’m always excited to share ideas and help bring impactful projects to life.
There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
Looking back, the three qualities that were most impactful in my journey are resilience, adaptability, and a commitment to lifelong learning. Additionally, integrity plays a big part in who I am and how I navigate both my personal and professional life. I’ve always been a fighter for what I believe in, standing firm in my values and staying true to myself, even when faced with challenges or opposition.
Resilience allowed me to push forward, no matter how difficult the circumstances. Life presented me with challenges early on, from losing my father as a baby to navigating a career in a non-traditional field as an African American Muslim woman. My advice to others is to embrace challenges as opportunities for growth. Every setback teaches you something valuable. Build your resilience by focusing on your goals, maintaining a positive mindset, and surrounding yourself with people who support and uplift you.
Adaptability has also been key. Starting as a dispatcher and advancing in Facilities Engineering required me to quickly adapt to new roles, skills, and environments. It’s a critical skill in any career, especially when you’re breaking barriers or stepping into unfamiliar spaces. For those early in their journey, I recommend staying open to change and embracing discomfort. Seek opportunities to stretch yourself, whether it’s volunteering for new projects, learning new tools, or stepping outside your comfort zone.
Lifelong learning has defined my journey. From financial literacy to facilities maintenance, I’ve always been willing to learn, whether through formal training, mentorship, or self-education. My advice is simple: never stop learning. Invest in your personal and professional development. Read, take courses, attend workshops, and seek mentorship from those who’ve walked the path before you. Knowledge not only opens doors but also equips you with the confidence to walk through them.
Integrity ties all of these together. It keeps you grounded and ensures that every step you take is aligned with your values. For me, it’s the foundation of everything I do, whether I’m fighting for what I believe in, mentoring others, or making decisions that affect my community. For those just starting, remember: the journey won’t always be smooth, but the combination of resilience, adaptability, integrity, and a commitment to learning will carry you through and help you achieve your goals.
To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
The most impactful thing my mother and grandmother did for me was lead by example, showing me the power of perseverance, hard work, and the love of learning. My grandmother worked for over 30 years at the Atlantic City Board of Education and never once complained. Seeing her go to work every day with such dedication taught me the value of showing up, no matter the circumstances. Her unwavering commitment left a lasting impression on me and instilled a strong work ethic that continues to guide me.
My mother’s love of reading deeply influenced me as well. I can’t recall a single day when she didn’t have a book in her hands, and her passion for learning became contagious. It’s because of her that reading has become one of my favorite activities. To this day, I encourage everyone to read at least 10 pages of something every day. The knowledge and growth that come from reading are invaluable, and I’m grateful to my mother for showing me just how transformative it can be.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bashirakhan.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bashira.khan/
- Linkedin: Stephanie(BashiraKhan)Davies
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