Deja was a talented, young engineer with a bright future ahead of her. She grew up in St. Helena near Beaufort, SC and was an active student athlete both in high school and college.  She studied civil engineering at South Carolina State University where she received her Bachelor's Degree and then continued her education at Florida University where she received a Masters and Doctorate. After taking a first job in Ohio, Deja had recently moved back home and had taken a job at Beaufort County as the Deputy Director of Traffic and Transportation Engineering. Deja unexpectedly passed on 8/19/20 at the age of 27.

As her coworker and supervisor, I had the opportunity to work with her on a daily basis and watch her grow in her role as Deputy  Engineer. She soaked up everything like a sponge and was always eager to take on more responsibilities.  I had recently told her that she was an 'Engineering Unicorn'... that she was the total package!!! All she needed was time and experience and she would certainly rise to the top.  It's so unfortunate to see that opportunity taken away from someone with so much positive energy and potential. 

Funds are being collected to establish a scholarship fund in her memory. The scholarship is intended to help encourage other female minorities in Beaufort County to pursue their dreams in the Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM) field just as Deja did herself!!