After spending my early career working in direct service roles with children in crisis, I felt called to change broken systems and improve how we support the healthy development of children. This led me to policy and advocacy roles in the government and nonprofit sectors. More recently, I’ve continued this work in philanthropy as a funder supporting policy advocacy organizations.
The philanthropic sector isn't just about awarding grants. It has the ability to lead transformational change, support solutions to social issues and create more equitable systems, but it requires intentionality.
Pause and take a deep breath. Then I take a moment to reflect, pray and assess my next move (which is sometimes to not make a next move).
I live for moments when I have an opportunity to celebrate a policy win that I know will have a long-lasting, positive impact on children's lives for generations to come.
I love the work that we do every day to build a network advocating for every child in every state to have an equal opportunity to learn, grow and succeed.
Active and compassionate listening has served me well throughout my career because there's always something to learn, and I learn the most from the people around me.
A summer position at a nonprofit organization. I learned that every job has value, and you can make important contributions regardless of title.
Ujima Maternity Network, Inc. is a nonprofit established to address the Black maternal and infant health crisis in the state by building a community of skilled birth workers.
Maintaining the hope that change is possible can be challenging because systems are slow to change. I've learned to cultivate patience and persistence in the face of challenges.
