I’m not just showing up now—I’ve been preparing for this moment my entire life.

For over a decade, I’ve worked at the intersection of education, equity, and community. As a children’s book author, I’ve created stories that affirm the brilliance of Black children and challenge the deficit narratives placed on them. Through my nonprofit, I’ve led literacy-focused initiatives that uplift families, celebrate identity, and center the voices of parents—especially Black mothers—who are often unheard in decision-making spaces.

Even in college, under the mentorship of the late Dr. Debra Saunders-White—former provost of Hampton University and President of NAFEO—I studied the achievement patterns of children growing up near HBCUs. Together, we asked: how can our institutions do more to nurture, inspire, and prepare the next generation?

I’ve carried that question with me ever since.

As a founding board member of EmpowHERment and Books with Color, I’ve helped build organizations that empower girls and promote diverse representation in children’s literature. I’ve led nonprofit efforts through my presidency of the Junior League of Charlotte, and I’ve served on boards like Children’s Theatre of Charlotte, as an advisory member to Smart Start of Mecklenburg County's The Basics initiative, and Vance High School’s Academy of Engineering—always working to expand opportunity and reimagine what’s possible for our youth.

In my professional life, I’ve led at the highest levels of innovation and technology. As the Chief Data and Analytics Officer for the City of Charlotte, I’ve overseen how data, artificial intelligence, and digital tools can solve real-world problems—when used responsibly and ethically. My commitment is to bring that same strategic innovation to our schools: making data work for families, ensuring AI enhances—not replaces—human connection, and advocating for tools that close opportunity gaps rather than widen them.

For the past five years, I’ve been studying urban education at the doctoral level, researching how families—especially Black mothers—navigate our school systems. I’ve listened to stories of hope and frustration. I’ve analyzed the policies that help—and the ones that harm. I’ve looked at the data, the history, and the real-life impact of school board decisions on families like mine.

That research—and my lived experience—has deepened my commitment to equity, transparency, and inclusive decision-making. It’s taught me that real change happens when those most impacted have a seat at the table. I’m not just bringing theory—I’m bringing action, advocacy, and the heart of a mother who believes every child deserves a school that sees, supports, and believes in them.