I work to create a world where every kid has the ability to develop and pursue their dreams and every parent, caregiver and community has the resources to support their pursuit.
EDUCATION
TEMPLE UNIVERSITY
Concentrating in Community & Policy Practice, specializing in Children & Families. Completed a 2-year pratica with the Philadelphia Department of Human Sevices, helping to create and administer the PATCH Program, which provided wrap-around services to students with chronic absenteeism and their families.
2015-2017
Master of Social Work
2000-2005
Bachelor's Degree
HAMPTON UNIVERSITY
Graduated with honors, studying English and Early Childhood Education
EXPERIENCE
CERTIFICATIONS
Certificate in Community Development Global Health University
Appreciative Inquiry Facilitation Certification
The Center for Appreciative Inquiry
Financial Modeling for the Social Sector
Philanthropy University
Certificate in Public Participation International Association for Public Participation
Certificate in Human Centered Design IDEO
Business Modeling for Social Enterprise
Philanthropy University
EXPERTISE
PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT
In my career, I have become well known for my ability to evolve strategic goals into innovative, well-designed programs and initiatives that deliver transformative results for under-resourced kids, families, and neighborhoods. I believe using research and evaluation as well as engaging diverse voices is the best method to identify needs and create scalable impact.
NETWORK ENGAGEMENT
I have a unique ability create meaningful relationships with both the leaders in the boardroom and the boys hanging out on the block, and see them as equal partners in the effort to improve communities. I combine a variety of community engagement techniques to fully understand the social, political and economic context to create an infrastructure that leads to finding common goals.
ADVANCEMENT
I have a track record of creating successful campaigns and development initiatives that achieve immediate goals, as well as enhance the mission, brand, and strength of the organization, leading to lasting sustainability. I have experience working with private businesses, large and small, foundations, governments, and high net-worth and grassroots donors to fund a vision that leads to real impact in communities.
RACE & EQUITY
Across organizations, I have worked successfully to build capacity for racial equity through both training internal staff and partners and creating programmatic infrastructure that addresses the barriers people in marginalized communities experience. I have applied the principles of asset-based community development to build the power in under-resourced communities to be leaders in movement building in their communities.
KaBOOM!
I lead the organization’s national efforts to spur systems change; designing and executing innovative programs to scale our impact and inspire communities to prioritize kids and low-income families in the built environment. I excel in the management of high visibility, high-impact, large scale initiatives and attracting high-profile, transformative partnerships to improve the quality of life of kids growing up in poverty.
2013-PRESENT
Director, External Affairs
2008-2013
Operations Director
CITY OF CHARLOTTE
In this dynamic and complex leadership position with the City of Charlotte's Department of Neighborhood & Business Services, I was responsible for the strategic vision and implementation plan of the City of Charlotte’s community engagement initiatives. Managing a staff of nine, I excelled in the redesign and execution of the City’s engagement and grant programs in the areas of youth, energy and environment, and community-based leadership.
COMMUNITIES IN SCHOOLS
For the nation’s largest and most effective dropout prevention organization, I worked with high school students to overcome academic, social, and economic barriers. I assessed the needs of students and provided them and their families with resources to help them stay in school and succeed in life.
2008-2009
Lead Site Coordinator
2007-2008
Volunteer Coordinator
EVERYBODY WINS!
For this literacy and mentorship organization, I researched, recruited, and trained volunteers via strategic partnerships with private organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, community groups, universities, governmental agencies and faith-based organizations
2005-2007
Behavioral Health Teacher
WES CARE SERVICES
As a staff member for the Care Program, an initiative of WES Care Services and Philadelphia Public Schools, I worked as a teacher for children in grades 3 through 5 with behavioral, emotional, and mental health issues.