Tell us about yourself.
I am originally from the DMV [D.C., Maryland, and Virginia]. I have nine siblings and am a fourth-generation educator. My family has taught in the community we lived in. I am an HBCU graduate and started my career helping students at the local middle school and high school. One accomplishment I am proud of was winning an educational Blue Ribbon award and helping to publish guidebooks on Restorative Practices.

Who inspires you?
My great-grandmother inspires me. I was able to have a relationship with her and learn from her experiences. She was the granddaughter of a former slave and being able to speak to her, learn from her, and know how her experience of this world was shaped by struggle was impactful for me. She would tell me stories of her grandparents and how they became free. She often told her stories about why education was so important. She believed the only way to move forward in life was to be communal and spread an abundance of love. To this day I hold those beliefs in community and unconditional love.

What initiatives at Shipley are you working on to create a more inclusive environment?
At Shipley, the Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Student Association (DEISA) is a great example of how we are bringing multiple perspectives and voices to the table around Connection and Belonging. Creating a cohesive program from Lower School to Upper School and the ability to connect with shared communities and experiences creates an inclusive environment.

How can alumni get involved with your work?
I believe that alumni can continue to build the bridges of eldership with today’s students to be most impactful at Shipley now.