I have been very fortunate to have great role models and inspirations in my life. My family was the first. My neighborhood in Mobile was the second. And throughout my life, several extraordinary women have shaped me into the person I am today.
Growing up in a family of eight children, my working-class parents left rural Alabama and moved to Mobile so their children could receive a high school education. In rural, post–World War II Alabama, a high school diploma was not available in every part of the state. Many families like mine left the South and moved north in search of better economic and educational opportunities during what became known as the Great Migration. My parents chose another path, moving south to Mobile where we had established family members.
As the seventh of eight children, I learned by observing my older siblings. When my two older brothers enrolled at Tuskegee Institute, we often traveled to visit them, and those experiences left a lasting impression on me.
One of my greatest inspirations was my sister Vivian. While still in high school, she worked in an accounting position at a real estate company and quickly discovered her passion for the field. In 1960, during the height of the Civil Rights Movement, she applied to the University of Alabama’s Mobile extension program. At that time, the only accredited accounting program in the state was located at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa.
After her application remained on file for three years, Vivian was finally admitted to the summer session in 1963. Our family will never forget that very hot day when we watched her walk into Foster Auditorium to register. Her historic walk through those schoolhouse doors became the lead story on the CBS Evening News. Later that evening, President John F. Kennedy addressed the nation, outlining the urgent need for a civil rights agenda.
In May 1965, Vivian Malone became the first Black woman to graduate from the University of Alabama’s College of Business. Our entire family was there to watch her receive her diploma. She went on to build a remarkable career, always carrying herself with dignity, grace, and honor.
My own professional career began with IBM, where I spent 18 years in sales and marketing. At the time, technology and automation were emerging as powerful tools in the workplace. Many of my customers feared computers would replace their jobs. Today, we are having similar conversations about artificial intelligence. IBM provided a masterclass in professional training and leadership development, and the lessons learned there opened the door to many other passions in my life.
After leaving IBM, I focused more intentionally on supporting students pursuing higher education, volunteering with community organizations, and mentoring underserved communities. One experience that remains especially meaningful was working with the City of Chicago’s Sister Cities Program. I coordinated visiting speakers and designed specialized programs for schools. Watching students’ faces light up as they learned about international history and cultures was incredibly rewarding.
I consider myself a lifelong learner and believe everyone deserves the opportunity to develop their fullest potential. Each morning, I wake up with gratitude for another day and the blessing of good health.
History and geography were my favorite subjects as a child. My teachers often traveled during their summer vacations and brought the world back to our classrooms through stories and photographs. That curiosity about the world stayed with me. Over the years, I have walked along the Great Wall of China, climbed to the top of the Acropolis, and even danced with the Zulu tribe in South Africa.
I feel deeply blessed to be able to share what I have learned with others, especially those who may simply need a hand up and encouragement to envision a brighter future. Many years ago, I made a spiritual promise to live a life of commitment and service.
I am grateful for the opportunity to share my story with the Dress for Success Atlanta community.
By Margie Malone Tuckson
CFO, Malone Health Connections
Margie Malone Tuckson is Chief Financial Officer of Tuckson Health Connections and a former IBM sales and marketing leader with 18 years of award-winning performance. A dedicated philanthropist and community advocate, she has funded scholarships for students across Alabama, supported minority medical students, and served in numerous civic and educational leadership roles while advancing access to accurate healthcare information for underserved communities.
