De’Avae Adderley: Breaking Barriers and Building Bridges in Engineering and Athletics

11/04/2025

Growing up in the Bahamas, De’Avae Adderley always dreamed of pursuing higher education abroad—a dream that wasn’t easily attainable for many students in her community. ‘Not many students get the opportunity to go off to university because of different circumstances,’ she said. ‘I always knew I wanted to travel abroad for college. My big brother left at an earlier age to attend school overseas, and he really inspired me.’

Still, the decision didn’t come without fear. ‘I was a bundle of nerves every time my parents mentioned college during my senior year of high school,’ she admitted. ‘On the outside, it might have looked like I was just being indecisive, but the truth is I was scared and unsure of what was ahead.’ That fear eventually gave way to courage, fueled by the unwavering love and encouragement of her parents. ‘They’ve always worked extremely hard for me and my brother, doing everything they could to give us the best opportunities life could offer,’ she said. ‘I knew how much they sacrificed to make sure we could dream bigger, and that gave me the push I needed.’

Today, De’Avae is majoring in Industrial Technology Engineering with a minor in Computer Science and is on track to graduate in December 2025. Her journey at William Penn University has been defined not only by academic excellence but also by athletic success and personal growth. A standout on the William Penn Track and Field team, De’Avae balances her training, coursework, and campus involvement with determination and grace.

When she first arrived on campus, it was the close-knit environment and supportive community that affirmed she had made the right choice. ‘Honestly, it started with the scholarship,’ she said with a laugh. ‘But once I learned more about William Penn’s environment, the close community, small classes, and supportive professors—it felt right.’

Four years later, that sense of belonging has only deepened. ‘What keeps me here is the support system I’ve built throughout these four years of being thousands of miles away from home,’ she said. ‘It started with my coaches… Coach Zuva Bvewkerwa is more than a coach—he became like a father figure to me, guiding me with love and passion for my abilities. Through him, I found my team, my community, my closest friends.’

In a field often dominated by men, De’Avae stands as a powerful example of representation and resilience. ‘Coming from the Bahamas, I didn’t see many women in engineering, especially not young Black women,’ she explained. ‘Before choosing my major, a strong role model came into my life through my mom: Miss Elouise Fernander. She had conquered engineering in college and pursued it as a career back home. Her resilience and the respect she commands from her peers inspired me deeply. She made me believe that I could do the same.’

That belief has carried De’Avae through challenges and victories alike. Despite entering college with no background in physics, calculus, or chemistry, she persevered. ‘I would pull all-nighters studying and putting in relentless time in my work,’ she said. ‘But over time, I transformed—not just academically, but mentally. By junior year, I made the Dean’s List, then the President’s List, and even earned Statesmen of the Week and MVP on my track team. I learned that I can overcome anything if I believe that I can do it.’

For De’Avae, William Penn has become more than a university—it’s a place where faith, family, and focus intersect. ‘William Penn does an amazing job choosing the right people to guide and teach us,’ she said. ‘Having professors who believe in you makes all the difference.’

Looking ahead, she hopes to use her education and experiences to open doors for others. ‘I hope to use everything I’ve learned—my engineering and computer science skills, but also my story—to inspire young women like myself, that it is possible,’ she said. ‘Whether it’s through mentorship, workshops, or tech initiatives, I want to show the next generation that they can dream big, even if their path looks different.’

From the tracks of Oskaloosa to the classrooms of the Industrial Technology Department, De’Avae Adderley continues to defy expectations and redefine what success looks like for women in STEM. Her story is one of faith, perseverance, and purpose—proof that with courage and community, barriers can be broken and new paths can be built.