K. Kenneth Davis, also known as "The Trans Capitalist" (his brand & company), is a proud black transgender Forbe's List entrepreneur. As a Financial Literacy Activist and highly sought-after worldly financial coach, Kenneth is committed to educating and empowering the LGBTQ+ community, heavily focused on trans people of color, in the plight to end systemic poverty and economic discrimination in these communities. Here to help you defend yourself and oppressed marginalized communities against capitalism! In addition, he dedicates himself to challenging many financial rules, institutions, and taboos as they no longer work for our generation. He graduated from Rochester Institute of Technology with a bachelor's degree in Civil Engineering and a Masters of Science in Finance from Pace University Lubin's School of Business.

How did your experience at RIT prepare you for life and/or your career?
Please know - being transgender is not for the faint of heart; it is a long, difficult road that entails continuous adversity and obstacles. However, my experience at RIT prepared me immensely for my life and career due to the progressiveness, inclusivity, knowledge, support, and independence RIT provides to the LGBT community.
In addition, RIT provided me with the tools and skills I needed to transition for free, which is a rare gracious act in the transgender community. Furthermore, my experiences from RIT gave me the confidence I needed to live boldly in my truth.
Lastly, I thought like an engineer. Thinking like an engineer, translated outside of the classroom that was helpful in learning how to problem-solve the adversity and obstacles I faced to become my authentic self. I still use these skills today, especially for my business. Finally, RIT gave me the most important gift ever: hope.
For example, when I attended RIT, social media had just started (yes, I am that old, lol). Facebook was just beginning. As I discovered “me”, and being transgender, I learned there were no other individuals or people I could talk to about learning how to transition from female to male. RIT offered students free therapy, and I noticed no bullying or hate crimes against students who identified as LGBT, which is very important. I had a professor, who I still keep in contact with today, that went beyond the call of duty to help me feel comfortable and watched over me as if I were her child. With RIT giving me so much, my college experience genuinely helped mold me into the successful man I am today.

Share your favorite college memory.
My favorite college memory is one of the most defining moments in my life! I had never attended a drag show before coming to RIT. So little did I know that they hosted one each semester. I attended the show with my partner at the time because I was curious but felt safe surrounded by other LGBT students and performers. Then there is this handsome, confident guy performing, and the crowd falls silent and crazy with whispers because everyone is saying, "Did you know that he was a girl before?" That blew my mind because it let me know that you can transition from female to male. To give some context, most people see in the media transgender women, aka male to female. However, you rarely see transgender men (female to male). After that show, I ran back to my dorm as fast as possible because I then realized that being a lesbian was not for me. I felt something. I’m not gay. I’m transgender. I researched everything I could about the transgender community. I knew I must do this to save my life.
If it had not been for attending that RIT drag show, who knows what path my life would have taken. I am forever grateful for RIT.

What does the significance of PRIDE month mean to you?
I have been attending, aka sneaking to PRIDE, since I was 16 years old, so that should give you a clue of how vital PRIDE is. The significance of PRIDE month means visibility, authenticism, and love to me. Most people take for granted having "possibility models" in their life. Seeing someone who looks like you; living the life that you want is powerful. During PRIDE month, you witness many people living in their truth and not feeling ashamed. Then there is the love that everyone who participates in PRIDE receives. I have met many people while at PRIDE events; people who are now friends. PRIDE is a month when queer person people feel loved, feel authentic, unique and respected regardless of race, gender, or sexuality.

Who/What inspired you to live your authentic self?
It’s been said, “The most dangerous person is a person who does not have anything to lose.” That is what inspired me to live my authentic self. I still live by that motto today. My mother cut me off for being queer. I found consistent support from the friends I met at RIT.
I also have a debilitating disease, Sickle Cell Anemia; it comes with a short life expectancy and primarily affects African Americans. I do not want to sound morbid. I say that to convey that I would rather die being my authentic self than continue to suffer in silence to please others. Transitioning has been one of the best choices I could have made for my life. Through my life experiences I have helped and impacted the lives of thousands worldwide. People look up to me, and I am humbled and honored to be a role model for them.

What advice do you have for current students who want to make the most out of their RIT experience?
My advice for current students who want to make the most out of their RIT experience is to attend and show up for any club; fraternity/sorority, events, etc…
Do not be scared of who you are because of what others may think of you; or fear they may not like you. Be you. One of the things I enjoyed about RIT is the diverse mix of people on campus. Meet new people. Open yourself up to difference things; you may gain a new skill or perspective on topics you feel passionate about. If you have an interest and there isn’t a club or group that focuses on your interest – start a group! From my experience, RIT has always been supportive when students have new ideas they want to try. One of my biggest regrets about being at RIT is that I didn't join as many clubs or events because I was scared and people pleased too much. I say all this to say you are showing up and living authentically. You may never know who is watching and how you may inspire them!

Fun fact(s) about you.

• I am a dog Dad to a beautiful black Labrador retriever named Maceo.
• I am a rare triple Libra.
• Cardi B and I share the same birthday
• I enjoy cooking, fitness, and traveling
• Traveling to the Caribbean is on my bucket list
• I am a BIG Foodie! So I would become a TikTok food blogger/critic if I could
• Love skiing, karate, boxing, Muay Thai, & Brazilian Jujitsu
• Graduated with a 3.7 GPA in business school without prior knowledge of finance or business