ABOUT ME

When I reflect on my journey thus far, the common thread is unmistakable. Whether it was bombarding my dad with endless questions about football games or consistently being asked by elders to lead my peers, leadership and curiosity have been the defining forces of my life. From assessing groundbreaking ideas to rallying my team toward ambitious goals, I have always been deeply attuned to the strengths and aspirations of those around me. My ability to recognize challenges as opportunities, to forge meaningful connections, and to orchestrate collaborations that yield extraordinary results has shaped my trajectory. Leadership, in all its forms, has pursued me rather than the other way around.

If I were to distill my core strengths, they would be curiosity, leadership, creativity, innovation, problem-solving, and relationship-building. These attributes have not only defined my career but have also allowed me to operate at an exceptionally high level. When I am immersed in environments that demand these skills, I thrive. No matter the circumstances, these traits surface instinctively, propelling me and those around me toward impactful outcomes.

My talent for building relationships and connecting people became evident at an early age. This ability paved the way for an internship at Emmis Communications, where I eventually became an advertising executive. Fresh out of college, I entered the world of radio advertising at a time when the industry was at its peak. I approached my work with the mindset of a problem solver—helping clients advance their businesses by asking the right questions, listening intently, and crafting strategic solutions. My natural inclinations led to success, yet something felt amiss. I was surrounded by people, engaging in meaningful work, but I lacked a deep, soul-level connection to it.

A friend who worked at the YMCA recognized this gap and suggested I consider a role there. "You’re looking for a deeper connection," she said. "The YMCA is all about mind, body, and spirit—it’s about soul." Her words resonated. My mother had always instilled in me the belief that a library, a church, and a gym were the three pillars of a well-rounded life. That philosophy had unconsciously guided me, and now, it was calling me back.

I took the leap and interviewed for a program director position at the YMCA. They offered me a salary that was $30,000 less than what I was earning at the time. Initially, I balked—how could I take such a drastic pay cut when I was on a fast track to success? But I kept returning to the same question: What if I sacrificed some financial gain to align my work with my purpose? I took the job, and within three years, I had not only made up for the lost income but had quadrupled it. That decision transformed my career. I ascended from Program Director to Executive Director, and eventually to District Executive Director of the YMCA in Fort Wayne, Indiana. I thrived because I was working in alignment with my strengths, and the rewards—both personal and professional—were immense.

Yet, I had always dreamed of New York City. When an opportunity arose to become the Executive Director at the YMCA in Long Island City, I seized it. The interview resulted in an immediate job offer, and for nearly a decade, I poured my energy into the YMCA in one of the world’s most dynamic cities. In total, I dedicated over 20 years to the organization, learning, growing, and impacting countless lives.

Then, a pivotal conversation with my mentor changed everything. "Your capacity has outgrown this organization," she said. "It’s time to think bigger." I took his words to heart and started exploring ways to take the YMCA’s principles of mind, body, and spirit beyond its walls and into the broader community. This exploration led me to real estate developers, where I shared my insights on millennial social responsibility and how companies could scale their recruitment strategies by embracing a more community-driven approach. That conversation led to an unexpected yet fulfilling opportunity as Vice President of Social Responsibility at TF Cornerstone, where I worked to bridge the gap between corporate interests and community impact.

Amidst this transition, I was encouraged to run for public office. While campaigning, I also took on roles that aligned with my passion for social change—I became Chief Operating Officer for The Ladies of Hope Ministry, supporting women reentering society post-incarceration, and President of the Black Entrepreneur Initiative, helping Black founders scale in the tech space. Each role reinforced my commitment to service, leadership, and systemic impact.

After an intense campaign, I did not win my race for city council. But instead of seeing it as a setback, I saw it as an inflection point. It was time to expand my leadership in new ways. That’s when Queens Borough President Donovan Richards reached out. "Are you ready to help lead a borough of 2.4 million people?" he asked. My answer was immediate and unequivocal: "Absolutely."

Stepping into the role of Deputy Borough President of Queens has allowed me to draw upon every experience, every lesson, and every innate strength I’ve cultivated over the years. Whether it’s curiosity, leadership, creativity, innovation, problem-solving, or relationship-building, these qualities remain at the forefront of my work. And I’m just getting started. This journey is far from over—there’s always another level to reach, another challenge to tackle, and another community to uplift.

Just like you, I am not done. The best is yet to come.