There are moments in life when words feel too small for the pride you carry in your heart. Receiving the 2026 Kate Gleason Distinguished Alumni Award from Rochester Institute of Technology is one of those moments not just for Alicia, but for our entire family.
Alicia Scott has built a life and career defined by courage, excellence, and service. As the first Black woman to earn a degree in Microelectronic Engineering from RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering, she did more than achieve a personal milestone she opened doors for those who would follow. That accomplishment was not simply a line on a résumé; it was a statement about perseverance, brilliance, and possibility.
Engineering shaped the way Alicia sees the world. She approaches challenges with clarity, discipline, and creativity. After RIT, she expanded her impact by earning her MBA from Arizona State University, blending technical precision with business strategy. Across every chapter of her career, she has led with both intellect and heart bringing together technology, operations, and people to create lasting results.
Today, as Director of Strategic Talent Operations at Resideo, Alicia guides global workforce strategies that support growth across continents. She has led multimillion-dollar budgets, directed international teams, and helped launch initiatives that generate significant revenue all while ensuring that people and culture remain at the center of progress. Those who work alongside her know her not only as a strategic leader, but as someone who listens deeply, builds trust, and turns complexity into clarity.
What makes me most proud, however, is not just what Alicia has accomplished professionally it is who she is. She mentors emerging leaders, especially young women and students from underrepresented communities, reminding them that they belong in every room they aspire to enter. She serves as a Board Member for the Valley of the Sun YMCA and as a National Council Member for RIT’s Kate Gleason College of Engineering. As a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., she continues her commitment to scholarship and service.
Alicia’s journey was shaped by her parents, Norman and Denise Bineyard, who instilled in her a deep love of education and an unshakable belief in her potential. I have had the privilege of walking beside her as she navigated global leadership roles, entrepreneurial ventures, and countless opportunities to make a difference. Her strength, curiosity, and resilience inspire me every single day.
Whether traveling the world, enjoying music and sports, or simply spending time with family, Alicia lives with intention and gratitude. She carries the discipline of engineering and the spirit of innovation into every space she enters always remembering that true innovation is not only about systems and strategy, but about people.
For her trailblazing achievements, her dedication to mentorship and inclusion, and her unwavering integrity, Alicia represents the very best of what RIT stands for. As her husband, I could not be more proud to celebrate this well-deserved honor.
Jimmy Scott
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