Destinie “Alora” James-Knowles, a 2025 graduate of Tuskegee University, credits the Thurgood Marshall College Fund (TMCF) with helping shape her academic and professional journey. A double major in computer engineering and electrical engineering, James-Knowles now works as a sales engineer and leads Shift-ALT-HER, a nonprofit focused on helping women pursue careers in technology.
Shift-ALT-HER grew from a grassroots organization James-Knowles founded at Tuskegee after realizing how difficult it could be for engineering students to find short-term study abroad opportunities. She partnered with the university’s global studies department to launch The Woman Connect Exchange Program, completing three study abroad rotations and securing corporate funding along the way.
She later formalized the initiative as a nonprofit that supports women through opportunities and resources focused on education, finance, travel, health and wellness, and professional development. The organization also supports scholarships and professional certifications for women looking to advance their careers.
James-Knowles first connected with TMCF after seeing an opportunity in her student email. Her first experience was the Boeing and TMCF immersion program in 2020, where she worked on a project focused on 3D-printed parts.
That experience showed her the value of TMCF programs and the opportunities they could provide. Through TMCF, she strengthened her resume, learned how to navigate internships and built a professional network.
“TMCF is the catalyst to open doors,” James-Knowles said. “TMCF gave me scholarships and introduced me to a lot of people. If you can get involved with them, get involved with them!”
During her time as a student, she attended Leadership Institute twice and participated in numerous other programs, including Moguls in the Making.
“Moguls in the Making exposed me to creating a business model, pitching ideas, conducting market research and developing different types of technical knowledge long before I was working in corporate America,” she said. “It prepared me far in advance.”
TMCF’s impact on James-Knowles’ journey extended beyond professional development. Through TMCF, she received a $25,000 T-Mobile scholarship that helped support her education and study abroad experiences.
She also credits TMCF immersion programs and leadership events with connecting her to internships, full-time opportunities and meaningful professional relationships.
“Most of the time, I came home with some form of a contact, connection or offer,” she said. “At Leadership Institute, they set up interviews for you, so I came home every time with an interview or offer.”
Some of those connections became lifelong friendships.
“I also met my lifelong friends through TMCF by attending events consistently and staying so involved,” she said.
Looking back, James-Knowles said attending an HBCU and becoming involved with TMCF were transformative experiences.
“Going to an HBCU changed my life. TMCF helped elevate that,” she said. “I don’t think I’d be at the level I’m at without TMCF.”
James-Knowles’ experience with TMCF continues to shape the way she approaches her career and service to others. The opportunities, connections and support she received through TMCF helped position her for success in technology, and she is now paying that impact forward through Shift-ALT-HER by creating pathways for more women to pursue careers in technology.
