From the basketball court and football field sidelines at Massillon to leading Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion at a Fortune 15 company, Devray Kirkland’s journey shows what it means to carry Tiger pride forward.
We asked Devray to share some of his favorite memories, accomplishments, and advice for current Tigers—here’s what he had to say:
Q: What year did you graduate from Massillon Washington High School?
A: 1987
Q: What activities, clubs, or sports were you involved in during your time at WHS?
A: Basketball, Football Manager, and S.U.C.C.E.S.S. Club member under Miss Brenda Robinson.
Q: What is one of your favorite memories from your high school years?
A: Any time we beat McKinley.
Q: What have you gone on to achieve since graduation?
A: I obtained my B.S. Degree from Howard University and my M.A. Degree from Bowie State University. I am now the Vice President of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity Officer for Cardinal Health, a Fortune 15 company.
Q: What accomplishment are you most proud of?
A: Being a father to my son, Devray II.
Q: How did your time at Massillon help prepare you for life after high school?
A: It taught me that life is not always going to be easy and that I must stay focused to achieve the goals I set for myself.
Q: What advice would you give to current Tigers?
A: Listen to all the people who are trying to help you be successful. Surround yourself with people doing positive things, and stay away from those doing the negative stuff.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to share with fellow alumni?
A: I’m proud to be from Massillon and grateful to all of the people who helped me along the way. None of us got to where we are by ourselves, and none of us will get to where we’re going by ourselves—we all need help along the way. Continue to support our youth, because they are the next generation of movers and shakers that will shape the future.
Thank you, Devray, for sharing your story and inspiring the next generation of Tigers. Once a Tiger, always a Tiger!