My journey begins as an artist. First, dancer, then actress and singer, now all three 😍

Free and reduced-cost programs, professional development organizations, and all types of nonprofits have made me the artist and woman I am today.

My first experience in nonprofits was as a student at Bishop McNamara High School (pictured top left) in Prince George’s County, MD. They provided me with resources to be a leader and professional in my community. From leadership development retreats to leading our retreats to grow closer to God to attending dance programs with The Joffrey Ballet School and University of the Arts. It holds a very special place in my heart.

My next experience was leading social justice facilitations in partnership with Jewish and Muslim students in the DC Metropolitan area. Operation Understanding DC (pictured top right) gave me public speaking and intercultural dialogue tools to communicate with affinity groups that didn’t think like me but had the same goal.

Then (probably my favorite) and final experience as a beneficiary, was with Culture Shock DC (pictured second row, left). They gave me the tools to collaborate with like-minded artists, think on my feet, and live every day like my dreams depended on it.

My writing journey began a little something like this. Freehand journaling in the morning and writing stories by night. I’m an introspection, reflection junkie too. If you’re ever in need of some wisdom head over to my blog – the lightbulb. 

By the time I got to The University of Maryland, I knew I wanted to give back to the space that gave me so much, I just wasn’t sure how. Until I started interning as a Development Coordinator and Grant Writer for 826DC during my sophomore year. Once I graduated, I combined my love of giving back and social justice, working as a Grant Writer for Progressive Maryland (pictured second row, right). I learned the ropes of Programming and Marketing here too!

I moved to LA to further my creative career in 2021. I still wanted to work in the nonprofit space. I was selected to be an Arts 4 LA ACTIVATE Delegate where I led an advocacy meeting on why the state budget needs an increase for arts programming. After this program, I worked as a Development Coordinator for Women’s Voices Now (pictured bottom). I focused on grant writing, sponsorship email campaigns, and strategizing individual donor relationships. 6 months in, I was interim Director of Development. This experience pushed me a ton. And it’s what led me here!

Starting my own business is a bet on myself (which I looooove to do). I have an innovative scope of nonprofit programming and development because I’ve been on both sides of the table.

I’m so eager to give back with my gifts and talents. My dream is to make myself and the world around me a little better each day.