March 4th 2024.
Zeita Merchant, a proud native of Jackson, Mississippi, is about to make history this coming April. She will be the very first Black woman to achieve the prestigious rank of admiral in the 233-year existence of the U.S. Coast Guard. It's a truly remarkable accomplishment that will surely be remembered for years to come. Currently serving as Commander of USCG Sector New York, Merchant will soon be taking on the important role of Rear Admiral at the Port of New York, according to reports from HBCU Buzz.
Born and raised in Jackson, Merchant's family moved there from Chicago in the 1980s. Her parents instilled in her the values of community service and the importance of family, even in the face of financial struggles. Her journey to the Coast Guard was somewhat unexpected; she had dreams of becoming a doctor but had to change her plans due to financial limitations. "I always had a strong desire to serve, but I never thought it would lead me to the military," Merchant shared.
Her opportunity to join the Coast Guard came through the College Student Pre-Commissioning Initiative, a scholarship program that opened doors for her. What was initially supposed to be a temporary commitment turned into a remarkable 27-year career. "I truly believe that this is all part of God's plan, not my own," Merchant humbly expressed. "This is yet another opportunity that has presented itself to me, and I believe the sky's the limit."
The U.S. Coast Guard recognizes Merchant as a shining example of excellence in maritime safety, security, and crisis management. She took on her current position as Commander of USCG Sector New York in May of 2021, where she oversees all Coast Guard operations at one of the nation's busiest and most vital port complexes. However, her expertise goes far beyond this role. Merchant has served in a variety of assignments at both operational and executive levels, earning her a reputation as one of the Coast Guard's top emergency managers.
Merchant's impressive resume includes influential positions such as Special Assistant to the 27th and 28th Vice Commandants of the Coast Guard, Congressional Fellow on the Committee of Oversight and Reform and Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and Executive Strategic Planner for the Coast Guard Flag and Senior Executive Service Corps. She is also highly educated, holding a doctorate in business administration and a master's degree in quality systems management from the National Graduate School at New England Institute of Business, a master's in public administration from George Washington University, and a bachelor's in biology from Tougaloo College. She has also completed executive education courses at Harvard Kennedy School of Government and was a National Security and Foreign Affairs Fellow at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology's Seminar XXI.
It's clear that Merchant's achievements have been nothing short of extraordinary. The impact she has made in the Coast Guard and beyond is truly commendable. As she continues to break barriers and pave the way for others, her story serves as an inspiration to us all.
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