THE ROCK THAT MAKES THE RIPPLE:
A Women's History Month Feature Honoring Arkesha Moses
April 1, 2026
Arkesha Moses, Deputy Executive Director, Office of Loan Portfolio Management, the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid
Written by: Jatika Hudson
“Be the rock that makes the ripple,” is a mantra that Arkesha Moses lives by. As the Deputy Executive Director for the Office of Loan Portfolio Management in U.S. Department of Education’s Office of Federal Student Aid, she thrives in her career and spends time motivating young people to strive for excellence in a world that won’t always see your value.
Growing up, Moses credits the women in her life with serving as role models of encouragement. She recalls how her mother and grandmothers encouraged and supported any dream she had which left her with a strong sense of self.
When she takes time to mentor, she is intentional about sharing the same experience to uplift in a society that can sometimes be discouraging. “I try to be someone who can have an impact that goes further than what I will ever see,” she says. “There are people who I will never meet or know that have positively influenced my life and I want to be the same. I proudly stand on the shoulders of those who came before me”
Who knew the little girl growing up in Dimitri Homes, now known as Lake Mann Estates, would go on to build a legacy of service in her personal and professional life?
An Army veteran, Moses was selected as a White House Leadership Development Fellow (2023–24). She is also a dedicated alumna of Rock Lake Elementary, Edgewater High School, and the University of South Florida. She and her husband have generously invested their time, gifts and resources into the mentees of MAN UP, including sponsoring their annual GIRLS Empowerment Weekend. Additionally, Moses lends her strategic expertise to the community-based organization, overseeing their three-year strategic plan.
It is with great pride that MAN UP honors and salutes Arkesha Moses during Women's History Month 2026. A woman on the move who continues to rewrite her story. Take a few moments to be encouraged by her journey of strength, integrity, and, most importantly, lifting others as she climbs.
MAN UP Mentoring, Inc.: What experiences guided your career journey?
Arkesha Moses: I think it was my foundation. My mom was very different from me. I like to say she was gentler. Even as a child I was always more straightforward. But she encouraged me to boldly and respectfully speak up. I get that directness from my father’s side. But all of my family just let me be just who I was and showed me incredible love. That gave me a sense of comfort and confidence.
MUM: Were there ever a moment you felt uncertain about your life’s path?
AM: Honestly, no. Since I was 13, I had a plan. That plan was developed by looking at the people around me and admiring what they had done and creating my own plan for success. I read a proverb that said, “A vision without action is just a dream. A dream without a vision is a nightmare.” I take that to heart.
MUM: What was a pivotal moment in your life?
AM: The decision I made over 20 years ago to join the U.S. Army changed the course of my life. I remember being so outraged as I left work on September 11, 2001, that I decided to join the military and I contacted an Army recruiter before I left work. Shortly after that call, I resigned from my job in social services with Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office and enlisted. Mind you, prior to this, I never thought about joining the armed forces, but it’s where I met my husband, had opportunities to travel the world, and it provided me a wealth of education benefits. I deployed to Iraq, gave birth to our son (my whole heart), and after four years was honorably discharged. My husband stayed in and went on to serve for 20 years; he retired in 2021.
MUM: Wow! On behalf of MAN UP we thank you and Mr. Moses for your service.
Mr. and Mrs. Moses, on the move, during her time as a White House Leadership Development Fellow (2023–24).
MUM: What do you tell younger generations about overcoming being the “only one”?
AM: I tell them to never be afraid of having your voice heard. Your perspective is important and I never want any of them to be afraid to be in a room with people who look different. These folks aren’t smarter or better than you. They may have gone to a “better” school or had different opportunities that you have, but you deserve to be there.
MUM: What advice would you give young people who feel limited by their circumstances?
AM: I would tell them to look where they are but to also look where they can be. I’d encourage them to reach out to people who can help guide them because none of us get anywhere by ourselves. There’s no way I could’ve gotten to where I am without my village, mentors or sponsors.
MUM: What does Women’s History Month mean to you?
AM: It’s a chance for me to think back on all the women who made it possible for me to be where I am. I would love to go back through my ancestry and thank them because I know the sacrifices they made have contributed to my journey today.
MUM: How do you define success?
AM: I think that no one should let anyone else define success for you. You have to take personal inventory as to what success looks like to you. For me, success is what brings me joy. Yes, I like that I have a job that allows me to live comfortably, but I also appreciate that I have a healthy marriage, an incredible son, and an amazing village. Success for me is enjoying life.
MUM: If there was a young girl reading this who was struggling in life, what would you tell her?
AM: Define life on your own terms and don’t let anyone do that for you. We all get one life to live, so live it the way that God has designed it for you and live it in a way that brings you peace and joy.
MUM: What would you tell 15-year-old Arkesha?
AM: Keep going and keep relying on the people who are there to support you.
MUM: What’s next for you?
AM: In the fall I’m headed back to graduate school to pursue my MBA. I’ve enrolled at the University of Virginia Darden’s School of Business in their Executive MBA Program.
MUM: Why do you support MAN UP?
AM: When you give back, you get something as well. Mentoring is amazing especially when you can see the mentees go out and be their best selves. It’s inspiring for me to do different things as well.
MUM: What’s your favorite scripture?
AM: Philippians 4:13. “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”
Below: Mrs. Moses facilitating a small group session at GIRLS Empowerment Weekend.
Photos of The Moses Family
