Job title and organization: Director of Equity Diversity and Inclusion (EDI), The Broadway League in New York City, NY
Alma mater and degree: University of Nebraska at Omaha, baccalaureate degree from the College of Education
Other roles or community involvement:
Founder of I AM Dance, an Omaha-based studio designed to create equity, accessibility and inclusion in dance
Co-founder and member of the Black Arts Leadership Alliance (BALA), a network of Black professionals dedicated to empowering, training, recruiting and retaining Black people in arts administration
Member of the Omaha Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
Hobbies: Reading, traveling, dancing, singing off-key and live theater
What do you admire about College Possible?
I think the beauty of College Possible is its commitment to the young people beyond high school through coaching, curriculum, and peer network.”
As a first-generation college student, I participated in college preparatory programs, but I felt a little lost once I got to college. There were no email or cell phones, so tracking and communication were done through snail mail. I believe my participation on this board is two-fold: first, to show these students that it is not how you start but how you finish. Second, I am doing my part in supporting the creation of an equitable educational atmosphere.
Name one or two influential “coaches” or people who supported you on your path to a college degree. How did they impact your life?
My mother is the most influential “coach” I have ever had. She may not have had a college education, but she taught me the meaning of hard work and perseverance. She allowed me to dream BIG and worked her tail off to ensure that I had whatever skills, training or items needed to achieve the said dream. I had great teachers who taught me history and math and were encouraging, but I lived with the best teacher ever teaching me how to balance life.
Why do you serve with College Possible? How do your values align with the organization?
As an EDI professional, this is core to who I am professionally and personally. There is a difference in resources and opportunities afforded to underserved students versus their peers. These students receive the “same” education as many of their peers (equality). However, what is needed is equity.
College Possible stands in the gap to provide that equity. They do this by giving specific resources and support to these students, creating the same level of opportunity as their peers.”
Inequity in education slows economic growth and limits students from reaching their full potential to becoming self-sufficient and gaining wealth. I see College Possible as an avenue to disrupt inequitable systems and create change not just for these students but for society.
