Home: Washington, DC. Age: Thirties. Birthplace: New Orleans, LA. Profession: PR/Communications. Organization: Better Together. Title: Founder and CEO. Pronouns: She/Her/Hers.
Current project: Supporting Stacey Abrams in her run for Governor of Georgia. Recent recognition: Becoming the founder of a Black, woman led business. Latest accomplishment: Launched my VC-backed communications agency focused on social impact. Latest contribution to others: Provided crisis communications training to state legislatures and local officials across the country. What’s been your big (or biggest leap)? Leaving my job to work for myself. Hobbies: Traveling, exploring monuments and museums in DC, learning Spanish, skydiving, building quality relationships. Last book read: Parable of the Sower, by Octavia E. Butler.
Personality profile: Type A, confident, funny; outgoing, yet comfortable with being introverted; leader, approachable. What one word would your closest friend use to describe you? Dependable. How do you define an ideal business relationship? Trusting. What word or phrase do you use far too often? Interesting. What natural talent have you neglected? Playing softball, particularly third base.
What is your favorite place (or way) to spend money? Trying new activities all kinds, whether bungee jumping, a five-star restaurant, a play I haven’t seen, a festival or concert I’ve always wanted to go to. What is at the top of your bucket list? Portugal, Montana and Japan have all been at the top over many years. What is your go-to workout? HIIT workouts.
What was your first paying job? At a local grocery where I grew up in Bessemer, AL. What was your favorite childhood toy or game? Monopoly. What movie have you repeatedly watched? The Shawshank Redemption. What’s prominently featured on your home or office wall? Progressive chants, e.g., “Bans off our Bodies”, “Tax the Rich” and “Unions for All”. What’s the best advice you received growing up? If you work hard, you can achieve anything you want. What is your go-to source of news and information? Morning Brew. What world event has had the greatest influence on your life? The continuous murders of Black men.
What is your big idea?
To use communications to achieve equity for all.
What change would you like to see in the world? Support for organizations in walking their talk through authentic action that drives long-lasting and impactful change. What widely held belief do you reject? That minorities and people of color can’t achieve more than their counterparts. What mega-trend most excites you? Artificial intelligence. What mega-trend most concerns you? Cryptocurrency.
What title would you choose for the movie about your life? Never Doubt. Who would you like to spend an evening with, in heaven? My grandparents. As a kid, what did you first want to be when you grew up? A chef. How would you choose to spend tomorrow, if you knew it was your last day on earth? Enjoying one of the places on my bucket list. What day in your life would you choose to re-live? January 10, 2010 when Auburn defeated Oregon in the BCS National Championship game. What advice would you give your younger self? Be patient.
Personal mission: Navigating social change by taking action. Personal motto: It was all a dream. Favorite quote: “Differences are not intended to separate, to alienate. We are different precisely in order to realize our need for each other” (Desmond Tutu).
