Let’s Take It To The Next Level! Strategist. Advancer. Expert Facilitator. Design & Systems Thinker. Non-profit Education Leader. Diversity & Equity Learner.
Current News
Say It Loud, I am…
On March 19, 2023, I had the opportunity to share my passion and love for youth development and identity work with fellow afterschool practitioners at the National Afterschool Association's annual Convention. You may view the community showcase here:
2023 Convention Workshops
For Us By Us: Design with Student in Mind
The purpose of this workshop is to introduce practitioners to a collaborative process of using student feedback and student voice to inform the design and development of their OST program. Anchored in research and using City Year's Afterschool Framework as an example, this workshop will cover the core values of student voice, design thinking elements, and continuous improvement practices. This workshop is for all program staff and leaders who want to learn how to make their OST program for students, by students.
“I am…”. The Power of Voice and Identity
The purpose of this community conversation is to explore the power of youth voice and identity in crafting out-of-school spaces for young people. In this dialogue, we examine the use of affirmations as targeted student experience outcomes and how affirmations can shape the learning environment and students' learning experience. This session will use community circles to guide the conversation and all attendees will walk away with an understanding of how to craft an "I am" vision statement for themselves and their students.
Recent Projects and Activities
Senior Director of Student Experience, City Year, Inc.
National President, Theta Nu Xi Multicultural Sorority, Inc. 2021-23
Planned and executed the “Representation Matters” Book Drive community service project for the Xi Zeta GAP chapter of Theta Nu Xi. Donated over 100 books to TACOLCY Center in Liberty City - 2023
For Us, By Us: Design with Students in Mind - Workshops at Beyond School Hours 2023 and National Afterschool Association Convention 2023
Leading equity advancement for the National Equity Advisory Council of City Year, Inc. - 2022-present
Planned and executed an “Adopt-a-Family” community service project for the Xi Zeta GAP chapter of Theta Nu Xi. Donated over $500 worth of toys, clothes, and food. - 2021
Co-chair, National Convention, Theta Nu Xi - Hybrid setting - 2021
Resource Creator, Designer, and Facilitator of learning events for AmeriCorps Members with City Year, Inc. - Ongoing
My Leadership Philosophy
I am a designer at heart with a strategic mind who values relationships over everything. My leadership philosophy is simple and rooted in a framework for social change. Julie Battilana and Marissa Kimsey write, "Agitation without innovation means complaints without ways forward, and innovation without orchestration means ideas without impact." Much of my work is rooted in this framework and my primary goal is to move work happening in the shadows to the forefront. I believe we have all of the tools to be the change we want to see in our local community and the global community. My expertise and desire are to take those tools and strategically create systems that set passionate groups of people up for long-term success.
I believe in being a clock builder, not a time teller; I seek to build systems and structures that are built to last, not just checking tasks off a list or telling time. I believe you should never lose the human aspect of what we’re doing; that we’re all learners and leaders, and we all have what it takes to make a change. This is the core of my leadership philosophy. This is how I lead.