Men To Watch 2025 honoree Yukubu "Kubey" Carriker

Yukubu “Kubey” Carriker is a mission-driven financial advisor and coach with First Command, passionately committed to helping individuals and families achieve lasting financial independence and growth. With a clear vision and unwavering integrity, Kubey empowers his clients to make informed, strategic decisions that lay the foundation for long-term financial security.

As a proud African American, Kubey is especially devoted to serving the Black community and beyond, working to break down generational barriers to wealth and instill financial literacy, confidence, and legacy-building in communities that have historically been overlooked or underserved. His mission is to create lasting financial change—not just for individuals today, but for generations to come.

Kubey brings a legacy of excellence, leadership, and resilience. He holds advanced degrees in Project Management, Intelligence, and Technical Management, as well as multiple financial licenses. He graduated at the top of his financial advisor class as the Distinguished Graduate, and his passion, hard work, and results-driven mindset earned him First Command’s prestigious Fast Start Advisor of the Year Award for 2025.

Before his career in financial services, Kubey served nearly 22 years in the United States Air Force, where he was one of only a handful of Black Air Battle Managers where he logged over 1,300 flight hours in the powerful E-3 AWACS.  He deployed to the middle east multiple times, and led multiple high-performing units across the globe. He concluded his military career at the Pentagon, working directly for senior Air Force leadership.

Outside the office, Kubey lives out his faith and leadership in the community. He’s been married to his amazing wife, Mai, for over 23 years. Together, they are proud parents of two college students and three beloved “deployment dogs.” He leads the production team at Northern Virginia Community Church(NoVA), co-leads the men’s faith group, and serves as Treasurer on the Board of Ten Ten Life—a nonprofit committed to life-giving transformation. Above all, Kubey is guided by his love for God and a deep commitment to living out the Great Commandment—to “LOVE EVERYBODY”—in every area of his life.