Downie Grim III, a Cybersecurity Support System Specialist at the Army National Guard, and an incoming ISyE graduate student, has a story that begins in a place where dreams often seemed out of reach—a small rural town with few resources for ambitious young minds. 

In a place where after-school activities focused primarily on sports, the spark for engineering was ignited by his father, an industrial engineer.  

His father's career provided a vision of what was possible, setting the stage for Grim's future pursuits. Despite the absence of robotics clubs or computer programming classes, Grim's curiosity remained undimmed. 

Guarding His Goals 

In 2020, Grim enlisted in the Mississippi National Guard, where he received an opportunity to receive free college tuition. 

“As a kid out of high school, I felt a little directionless, and joining the National Guard at a young age helped prepare me to be a more capable adult,” Grim reflected.  

This experience was crucial in financing his education and instilling a sense of responsibility and precision that he carries into his academic and professional life. 

Building a Supportive Network for Black Engineers 

Arriving at Jackson State University (JSU) to study Industrial Technology, Grim discovered the National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) chapter had dwindled during COVID and was no longer active. Recognizing its potential, he took on the challenge of revitalizing the chapter.  

“I had to recharter the club, and we started with five members who were mostly my friends, but under my leadership, the club surged to over 90 students. It grew quicker than I could have possibly imagined.”  

As a two-time president, Grim transformed the NSBE chapter into a vibrant, supportive community, providing networking and development opportunities for its members. 

After finishing his degree at JSU, Grim realized he wanted to continue his education – so, he began exploring his options. 

Overcoming Limited Educational Resources 

“I know what it feels like to grow up in an area that didn’t have the resources to show me what was possible with my life. I want to give back and help the next generation of kids get access earlier and to understand the power of dreaming, working hard, and persevering through life’s challenges.” 

As a Focus Scholar, Grim had the chance to experience Georgia Tech before fully committing. The bustling city of Atlanta presented a stark contrast to where he lives in Mississippi, but the campus felt like a safe and welcoming environment.  

“It was so beautiful and green, and when you came with questions, it was easy to find answers. The Focus Scholar program helped me decide Georgia Tech was the next right step for me.”  

Grim's ambitions extend beyond personal career success.  

He plans to create a non-profit organization to help children, especially those from rural areas, discover and understand their opportunities.  

His vision is to provide resources and guidance that he wishes had been available to him.  

Reflecting on his journey, Grim stresses the importance of exploring all available opportunities – encouraging others to seek out new experiences and help connect others. 

 “Sometimes you don't realize all your opportunities if you aren't exposed to them. So, we must all help each other make the valuable connections necessary to thrive.” 

--

Interviewer: Nat M. Esparza
Writer: Nat M. Esparza
Editor: Camille Carpenter Henriquez