Born in Jacksonville, Florida, and raised in Atlanta, Georgia, Cecil learned early the importance of perseverance, community, and investing in the people around him. Those values shaped the path he would take, from his education at the University of North Carolina at Pembroke, where he earned degrees in Recreation Management and Exercise and Sports Science, to a career dedicated to supporting students.

Cecil joined Northern Virginia Community College (NOVA) in 2013, dedicating his career to helping students succeed. After working closely with students, he made the intentional decision to enroll at NOVA himself.

His goal wasn't simply to earn another credential. He wanted to experience community college from the students’ perspective so he could better understand, and better serve, the students he worked with every day.

Over the years, including during the COVID-19 pandemic, Cecil continued his educational journey at NOVA, ultimately earning an Associate of Science in General Studies along with certificates in Business Information Technology and Leadership Development.

"NOVA allowed me to see the student experience from both sides," Cecil shared. "It helped me better understand what our students are navigating every day and how I could better support them."

Today, Cecil serves as Associate Director of Student Leadership and Engagement at NOVA, where he has spent more than 13 years building connections with students and creating opportunities for them to grow. His approach is rooted in authenticity and trust, encouraging students to be open about their challenges while helping them recognize their own potential.

That commitment to service extends beyond NOVA. In 2020, Cecil founded the Adoe Foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to addressing homelessness and expanding access to youth sports in underserved communities. Guided by his personal motto, "Live life, don't let life live you," Cecil continues to find ways to make a positive impact wherever he serves.

As a NOVA student, Cecil also experienced firsthand the difference that support can make. A partial academic scholarship helped ease the cost of books and housing, providing meaningful assistance as he continued his education.

"People sometimes think their gift has to be huge to make a difference," he said. "For a student who's struggling, a scholarship, a gas card, or even a grocery gift card can mean everything."

Today, Cecil sees that impact every day. He has watched donor support help students overcome barriers, stay enrolled, and continue working toward their goals. Whether through scholarships, emergency assistance, transportation support, or other resources, each gift can provide students with the stability they need to succeed.

"Sometimes students need someone who's been where they've been," Cecil explained. "Your experience and your willingness to share it can change someone's future."

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