Makayla Murphy

About Makayla Murphy

My journey has been shaped by starting my time in the military as part of the Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear (CBRN) division, I found myself in one of the smallest yet most vital roles, preparing to respond to life-threatening situations like nerve agent exposure and radiation. These experiences taught me the importance of resilience, precision, and staying calm under pressure. In the military, success doesn’t come from avoiding fear but from facing it head-on to complete the mission.While my military service was transformative, my high school years added another layer to my personal growth. I joined the marching band and played the trumpet, which became more than just a hobby—it was a chance to express myself. Marching band, especially, taught me discipline, teamwork, and perseverance. Much like my military experience, it required synchronization and cooperation to create something greater than what any individual could achieve alone. This sense of working in harmony continues to influence my approach to both personal and professional challenges today.After high school, I took my passion for learning in a new direction. I pursued a degree in biochemistry at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga (UTC), where I delved into the complexities of life on a molecular level. Biochemistry is intellectually demanding, but I thrive on challenges. The skills I’ve developed in problem-solving, critical thinking, and methodical analysis—both in the lab and the classroom—have shaped my approach to every task in life. The scientific mindset I’ve developed has helped me address challenges with precision, whether they’re related to finance, science, or everyday life.In addition to academics, I found my current passion in financial services through GFI. GFI focuses on helping families plan for their financial futures, ensuring they don’t outlive their retirement savings. This role allows me to use my skills in a meaningful way, helping individuals move their 401(k)s into more efficient accounts, manage tax advantages, and plan for long-term security. The most rewarding aspect of my work is assisting families with saving for major milestones, I’ve come to realize that financial planning isn’t just about managing money—it’s about providing families with the tools to secure their future and make their dreams a reality.

Experience

1. Chemical, Biological, Radiological, and Nuclear Specialist

   Us Army

   Aug 2022 — Present · Nashville, TN, US

   Conduct decontamination, hazard response, and safety inspections -train personnel on proper use of CBRN and PPE equipment -Maintain operational readiness through equipment maintenance and documentation-Graduated Basic Training (top 10%) and CBRN Advanced Training (top 5%)

Education

• The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga

  Biochemistry , Biochemistry