SSAI In The News

This month, our Spotlight feature is in honor of both Black History Month and our Spotlight’s birthday month. Meet Taquitha “KeyKey” Crabbe. KeyKey was a nickname given to her by her late grandmother and only her mom's objections have kept her from changing it legally. Although she first comes across as shy, give her a little bit of time and you'll find KeyKey is warm and entertaining and enjoys hosting people. If she had to choose another career, she would be excited to get into party and event planning. 

Join us in getting to know a little more about KeyKey!

Where did you grow up? A small town in Alabama. I’m a true southern girl!

Where did you go to school? Auburn University of Montgomery. I wanted to attend Alabama State University, an HBCU, but my parents thought I would focus more on my studies at AUM.  Alabama State was only a 15-minute drive, so I still was able to visit often.

Did you have a summer job while in high school or college? I worked at the AUM library as a part-time student assistant. After a year, I was offered a full-time position, where I worked until moving to Maryland and accepting a job at the Goddard Library 22 years ago.

What is your current role at work? I am a travel administrator on a NASA contract.

What excites you most about your work? Knowing the support I provide my colleagues allows them to travel while supporting the NASA space mission.  How cool is it to “work with NASA”?!!

What is your favorite hobby? Making modifications to my Jeep Wrangler. I began this hobby during the COVID pandemic after participating in outdoor Jeep Meets. I enjoyed speaking with other Jeep Wrangler owners about their “mods” and was so inspired to do the same to my rig.  The back story is, my wife purchased her Wrangler and couldn’t keep me out of it, so I purchased my own.  Her name is Blk Cherri.

What is the best piece of advice you ever received? Look in the mirror – That’s your competition.  In other words, don’t compare yourself to others.  Focus on yourself…become a better version of YOU.

Share something that not many of your colleagues might know about you. I’m socially awkward. I want to speak and engage, but my fears keep me “quiet and smiling.” Once I’m comfortable, I’m a social butterfly. 

If you could live anywhere in the world, where would that be? I’d say Canada, however, I’ve never visited. It is known for genuinely friendly people, delicious foods, beautiful landscapes, and having some of the cleanest air in the world.  I know I’d love it!!

What is the accomplishment you are most proud of? Being a mother.  When asked as a child, what do you want to be when you grow up. My answer was “A mother.”

Have you learned anything new during the pandemic? How to keep first grade twins engaged in learning while they participate in Google Meetings for 6 hours a day. Whew, I have a greater appreciation for educators.

What is your happiest memory? Giving birth to Raine and Ryder.

What is the most important lesson you feel you’ve learned? There is no such thing as being a perfect parent.  Do your best and they will love you for it.

Who or what inspires you? My family. They make me want to strive to be the best me.

What makes you smile when you’re having a bad day? My wife’s goofy sense of humor. She’s a hoot.

If you could time travel, when would you want to visit? I’d travel back to 2011; the birth of my first set of twins. I would love to have another moment to hold them close…My Reece and Robbie.

What are you most looking forward to this year? My birthday! I LOVE celebrating my birthday.  I celebrate the entire month of February.

What do you do with your spare time? I love “Jeeping” and giving back to the community. My jeep club is big on giving back.

What is the biggest challenge you’ve faced and how did you overcome it? The death of my first set of twins. My faith allows me to continue on and appreciate life.

What’s something you’ve been meaning to try? I would love to sky dive. Once I convince my wife she’s not going to be stuck raising the twins alone…I’m doing it.

What’s the last picture on your phone? Screenshot of an upcoming Boys II Men Concert at the MGM National Harbor Resort and Casino as an event to celebrate my birthday.

What’s your most repeated movie quote or phrase? You is kind. You is smart. You is important.  From the movie The Help.

What is something you feel is underrated? I feel educators are underrated.

What do you wish you knew more about? Healthy cooking.

What fictional place would you most like to go? Wakanda. 

Anything else you’d like to share? I love listening to “feel good” audiobooks on my commute to work.  I’m currently listening to Heart of Gold by Beverly Jenkins.  It’s book five of a nine book series.

Thanks for letting us get to know you a little better KeyKey and have a great birthday month!