Community Building
I am a power connector. I find great joy in being a resource and being the genesis of collaborations. I have a deep network of contacts and partners that include community activists, artists, government officials, business professionals, and educators.
Here are some of my career highlights (and current work) as a connector, educator, coach, and mentor.
Connector
Founding Board Member, Former Board ChaIr - College Park Community Foundation
The College Park Community Foundation (CPCF) is a community-run, non-profit organization dedicated to improving the quality of life for all in the City of College Park, MD. CPCF does this in three main ways: awarding grants; providing resources and networking events; and engaging College Park residents. As a founding board member, I was instrumental in forging relationships between this community organization and the University of Maryland, spear-heading the College Park 5K Series, which brought together UMD’s Office of Community Engagement, Campus Recreation Services, and CPCF for a series of 5K races in spring 2015.
Educator
Facilitator - University of Maryland Office of Diversity & Inclusion, Words of Engagement Dialogue Program
I have taught students at all levels from pre-K to Executive MBAs. I currently serve as adjunct faculty with the College of Education at the University of Maryland and often guest lecture in other courses.
Fun fact: I was Director of Education at Barbizon Modeling and Talent Agency and spent a summer teaching stilt walking at Oddfellows Playhouse.
Coach and Mentor
Executive Communication Coach, Robert H. Smith School of Business
At the Robert H. Smith School of Business, I manage the Executive Communication Program. Through one-on-one coaching, workshops and in-class feedback I support full-time MBA and EMBA students in developing their presentation skills.
I also serve as faculty advisor to the full-time MBA Professional Communication Club and Toastmasters clubs. Outside of Smith, I advise The Caribbean Fever Dance Troupe and have mentees in the Incentive Awards Program and Black Faculty Staff Association.
Storytelling
My experience in drama and movement informs my work as a communicator, community builder, and doer. Stories provide an opportunity for healing and have the power to change hearts and minds. For over a decade, I managed media, PR and marketing campaigns as Marketing Manager and Director of Marketing in the corporate and nonprofit sectors. I am a brand manager, brand ambassador, actor, dancer, host, and emcee. In the DC metro area, I have performed at Studio Theatre, Theater Alliance, Gala Hispanic Theatre and with Quest for the Arts Visual Theatre (a group of deaf, hard of hearing, and hearing performers/teaching artists) of which I was a company member. As Miss US Virgin Islands Universe, I frequently emceed and hosted events as an ambassador of the Virgin Islands. I am also a certified ZOCA® dance fitness instructor! Some of my career highlights (and current work) as a storyteller:
Taking Action
I am an entrepreneur, facilitator, and producer. I am self-motivated and results-oriented with systems-driven organizational skills. In short -- I like getting things done.
My career highlights (and current work) as a doer of 'all the things':
Entrepreneur
HGVenture, LLP
In 2015 I co-founded HGVenture, LLP a management consulting firm that specializes in developing strong, cohesive, effective teams and leaders.
At HGVenture, we engage in organizational analysis and assessment, adult learning theories, systems design, development, implementation, and evaluation. We build systems and processes to help drive our clients' growth. We take capacity building seriously. Where many consultants devise plans and move on, HGVenture sees people and organizations beyond planning, and through to success.
Facilitator
EFFECTIVE communicatioN and Diversity & Inclusion
I have translated my performance and corporate skills into workshops on personal branding, executive presence and presentation skills for executives, boards, and individuals.
I am particularly passionate about issues around access and inclusion for people of underrepresented backgrounds. I design and facilitate workshops and dialogues on gender, race, immigration, and LGBT inclusion for corporate and nonprofit audiences.
Producer
Live events, Film and Television
I have numerous stage, television, and film credits. I co-hosted and produced content for 'Video Vibe' - an award winning entertainment program with over a hundred episodes produced. I also hosted 'The Hot Ticket Minute', a Telly Award winning, weekly series of arts and culture updates promoting entertainment events. Other notable credits include casting credits for National Geographic and America’s Most Wanted. In 2004 and 2005, I produced The Vagina Monologues in St. Thomas and raised over $13,000 for groups dedicated to ending violence against women.
Recognition
Miss United States Virgin Islands 2005
Miss Universe Pageant
Represented the US Virgin Islands at Miss Universe pageant in Thailand. Awarded "Miss Congeniality".
Outstanding Staff Member
Office of Multi Ethnic and Student Education Academy of Academic Excellence
Received the OMSE Excellence in Service award presented to a university staff member who has made outstanding contributions to the academic excellence and lives of multi-ethnic students at the University of Maryland.
Forty UNDER 40
Prince George's County Social Innovation Fund
Identified as a leader in community engagement and public service in Prince George's County.
Student Champion Award
Robert H. Smith School of Business
Awarded Staff Excellence Award in recognition of superior performance and significant contributions.
Staff Excellence & Engagement
Robert H. Smith School of Business MBA Association
Recognized for outstanding contribution, engagement, and leadership to the Smith community. Selected by members of the full-time MBA student body.
