My Leadership Journey

MY PURPOSE

I acknowledge that my purpose is embedded in my life story of “beating” the statistical odds and my wanting to duplicate my experience in others. See, I am dedicated to changing the life trajectory of low to poor income families by reforming the education, economic, and criminal justice systems. The work of my life is defined by two words, servant leadership. I believe that we must equip, teach, and provide for those most vulnerable in society, for we are only as good as the “weaknest link.” This belief, of bridging gaps between the poor and the wealthy, is not popular, nor is it easily accomplished. Nevertheless, it takes unrelenting leadership to create an impact.

Leadership is not always about orchestrating the large-scale impact, but rather it is simply finding the opportunity to make an impact and that impact, big or small, will start to close the social gaps. I am of the belief that if I could get one person to spend an hour, once a week, reading with a student that the impact would be transformative for the community. I believe that it can take one opportunity, one voice, one vote to spark a change. At the end of my life, I would like my personal legacy to be one dedicated to social change. I want my personal legacy to inspire youth to be different, to plan for their success, and to stay dedicated to their course of action. I want my personal legacy to be less about me and what I did, and more about what I stood for, ensuring that my legacy of change will live beyond me through the actions of inspired youth.

Youth Development

 I work everyday to ensure that all children in New Orleans have access to quality public schools. Personally, I teach, mentor and advocate on behalf of young people every day. From 2012-2016, I directed a literacy program at the Youth Study Center to ensure that the youth are focused on reading comprehension. Additionally, I spend time and resources mentoring young people from all backgrounds. I mentor through organizations like Son of Saint and the Silverback Society.

Speaking Engagements

I am often requested to speak at events. I am asked to discuss organizing, policy, and advocacy to primary students, higher education students and community organizations. I have been asked to lead board trainings on governance/role of board members for Nonprofits and school boards. I have been asked to lead discussions on education at conferences including PIE, SFER, and TFA.

Recent Speaking Engagements

Fellowships

New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute, current: The New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI) was established in 1999. NORLI was created to help promote regionalism and to provide a diverse cross section of current and emerging leaders from the business, non-profit and governmental sectors from throughout the region with a more thorough understanding of issues and an enhanced ability to collaborate for the greater good of the New Orleans region.

W.K. Kellogg Community Leadership Network Fellow, 2017: The W.K. Kellogg Foundation’s Community Leadership Network fellowship program (the “Fellowship”) is intended to provide opportunities to expand leadership skills, increase knowledge and develop and strengthen networks with other fellows and leaders from various disciplines and communities to improve conditions for vulnerable children. The Fellowship officially began on April 1, 2014 and will be a three- year commitment.

NexusCity Fellow, 2016: The NexusCity fellowship seeks to train and develop new leaders to join high profile and important boards while also ensuring that these leaders will be effective board members. 

Emerging Leaders Fellowship by the Greater New Orleans Foundation, 2015: The Organizational Effectiveness Initiative of the Greater New Orleans Foundation, in partnership with CompassPoint Nonprofit Services, is pleased to host Emerging Leaders, a leadership development program with a multicultural framework for nonprofit managers working in southeast Louisiana nonprofit human service organizations. This program is made possible through the generous support of the Kresge Foundation.

Loyola University Institute of Politics, 2015: The Institute of Politics (IOP) is a leadership training seminar aimed at giving each fellow a complete education on politics. From grassroots campaigning, to what life is like after being elected, the IOP attempts to provide each fellow with the tools and knowledge necessary to understand the political process in New Orleans and the surrounding region.

New Leaders Council Fellow, 2014: New Leaders Council is a 501 (c) (3) public charity dedicated to educating a new generation of leaders and to providing those leaders with the tools they need to succeed. NLC does not support or oppose any candidate for public office and serves only as an educational leadership training ground.