I am a former foster kid turned go-getter who is using my artistic expressions to create a world where everyone's inspired to reach their highest potentials. This focus is due to my own life story, having grown up in the foster care system after my parent’s divorce. Although those times were challenging, I had mentors like my second-grade teacher Ms. Phillips, who gave me books and art supplies to occupy my time. 

 

These acts of kindness emblazoned me with dreams and purpose beyond my immediate challenges and helped equip me to excel academically, graduate high school a year early and earn a scholarship to the University of Detroit Mercy. 

 

Over the course of my career, I have helped lead a range of arts-based mentoring and community development initiatives, participated in the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation’s Boundary Spanning Leadership program and have been recognized by the White House, National Honor Society and the United Way of Greater Atlanta for my academic achievements and community service.