Black History month is about celebrating our roots, honoring those who have gone before us, and clearing the path of opportunity for the next generation. My roots have always been important to me, as have the many people who have guided me throughout my journey that has brought me here. 

I’m a California native from very modest beginnings, born in Inglewood and raised in Merced. My mother and family grew up in Compton and I attended Clark Atlanta University where I studied communications.

Following college, I had a strong calling to work in public service. I got the political bug early on and ran with it. My dream was to be a press secretary or Communications Director who got to tell the reporters at the White House press conference “last question”, but who also got to be the quiet voice behind the scenes, leading and shaping the proactive or crisis messaging. 

While I haven’t quite made it to the White House briefing room (yet), I certainly love the work that I do every day at EDA on behalf of the Department of Commerce and the Administration.

As Director of Public Affairs for the Department of Commerce for the Economic Development Administration (EDA), I lead the public affairs team in support of the agency’s programs and initiatives aimed to support regional and national economic development. Simply put, EDA exists to help improve the quality of life in communities across the country. That’s a call to service I can get behind.

In this role, I am charged with the development and execution of strategic communication concerning all aspects of EDA’s programs and initiatives. In other words, I have the privilege of ensuring that the impactful work EDA does is communicated in a manner that reflects the President's priorities of economic opportunity and empowerment.  I also get to help elevate and amplify the message from our community stakeholders regarding the impact that EDA investments are having on their communities.

This message helps bring greater influence to Economic Development policies that are so crucial to communities we serve across the nation.

I manage the day-to-day priorities of the public affairs department, including strategic messaging that supports the economic agenda set forth by the Department of Commerce. As a member of the Senior Leadership team within EDA, I advise the Assistant Secretary on agency priorities and narrative.

I also work closely with White House Press Office and DOC Public Affairs on the launch and amplification of key Administration initiatives such as EDA’s Regional Innovation Strategies program and POWER initiative and the White House’s Demo Day and Open for Innovation programs, all of which support distressed communities, entrepreneurs, business owners, and innovators.

I began my career in Chicago, IL where I served as Communications Director and Media spokesperson for Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley.  In this role, I formulated proactive communication strategy, managed press conferences and media interviews for the Mayor and prominent department heads.

Prior to joining EDA, I was honored to serve as Communications Director for two members of the U.S. Congress where I developed and executed message strategies to advance legislative priorities. I have also worked as managing director of communications with DC public affairs firm, Ian Reid LLC and as a communications strategist for the Chicago Children’s Museum.

The one constant throughout my career and my life has been a call to service.

When I’m not traveling with the Assistant Secretary, I try to volunteer at local food shelters such as SOME (So Others May Eat) and DC Cares (now closed) where I deliver prepared meals to residents who are ill and home ridden and serve food to the homeless.

My love for volunteering began in Chicago with the organization Chicago Cares. I had the privilege of working with a group of bright young kids and their parents living in a transition home. There is nothing better than sitting down with a 5 or 8 year old boy and helping him with his homework or helping a young mother prepare for her first a job interview. 

My commitment to volunteering is a direct testament to the responsibility I feel to those who maybe haven’t found their way yet and just needs a little guidance or inspiration to help them along their journey.

Reflecting on Black History month, I am humbled and inspired by the men and women who have sacrificed and chartered the path of success for me and so many others.

I have a sign on my office door that reads, “Gratitude is the best attitude.” It’s a constant reminder to live an intentional life of gratitude and not to get too bogged down and miss the opportunity to be of service to others.

Pay it forward is my motto and I hope I never miss the opportunity to help clear the path for someone else!