As the Family and Community Outreach Specialist at Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS), my role focuses on building strong connections between our schools, families, and the wider community. I work to enhance the district’s outreach and engagement strategy by creating opportunities for collaboration, organizing impactful events, and ensuring our families feel empowered and involved in their children’s education.A key part of my work is supporting Family & Community Engagement Liaisons across all KCPS schools. I provide guidance, resources, and training to help them foster positive relationships with families, creating welcoming environments that directly support student success. By working together, we ensure that families are active partners in their child’s educational journey.I also plan and manage various outreach events, including community meetings, presentations, and forums that connect KCPS with local stakeholders. My role involves working with neighborhood organizations, church leaders, civic groups, and local businesses to identify opportunities for engagement that align with the district’s mission. I’m dedicated to making our schools places where families feel seen, valued, and connected.Additionally, I conduct community analyses and facilitate focus groups to better understand the needs of our families. These insights shape our outreach strategies, ensuring we are responsive and effective in our approach. As a liaison, I attend community events, share information, and maintain open lines of communication between KCPS and the public.Ultimately, my work is about creating meaningful impact through collaboration and advocacy. I am passionate about supporting our Family & Community Engagement Liaisons and ensuring our schools are welcoming spaces for everyone. I am honored to play a role in strengthening the bonds between KCPS, our families, and our community, helping to create a brighter future for our students.

As the Owner and Creative Director of The A21 Creative, I manage all aspects of the business, combining creative vision with strategic management. My responsibilities include developing design standards, overseeing client relations, and managing business operations. I implement effective business strategies to drive growth and profitability, and I lead marketing efforts to promote the business and attract new clients. Key achievements involve establishing a strong client base, delivering impactful design solutions, and implementing effective business strategies. I build and maintain strong client relationships, present design concepts, and manage daily operations, ensuring the success and expansion of the company.

As the Director of Impact & Analytics at City Year, I lead program design, management, and evaluation to drive educational outcomes. I develop and coach Impact Managers, ensuring professional growth through daily interactions, site visits, and structured performance reviews. I spearhead the site’s evaluation efforts, managing data tools and resources to collect, analyze, and utilize data for program improvement. Responsibilities include leading professional development, maintaining relationships with principals and school liaisons, and fostering a data-driven culture. Through strategic planning and stakeholder engagement, I ensure programs align with organizational goals and promote educational equity. Key achievements include successfully leading a team of AmeriCorps members, achieving significant improvements in student academic performance and social-emotional skills, and consistently meeting or exceeding program goals and metrics.

Manages a portfolio of school partnerships overseeing program implementation for positive student outcomesDevelops systems to work towards educational equity and to support staff and AmeriCorps Members as servant leadersOversees the vision, training, and implementation of City Year Kansas City's instructional modelManages the collection and systems for impact data & evaluation

Leads, manages, and coaches a team of 9 young (18-25 years old), diverse AmeriCorps members to implement City Year’s Whole School, Whole Child services at Central Academy of Excellence, a public high school in Kansas City, MissouriDevelops and manages partnerships and serve as primary liaison with school leadership, teachers, and staff to ensure the proper conditions and resources are in place for AmeriCorps members to deliver targeted, data-driven interventions in attendance, behavior, and course performance with students Provides professional development to direct reports through formal performance management processes, as well as biweekly check-ins to promote growth and provide support Oversees AmeriCorps member-led school climate activities and organizational initiatives, including whole-school events and afterschool programming Serves as site student after school programs coordinator; coached individual AmeriCorps member leaders to support and hold accountability in each of their teams’ after school work with students; additionally, lead and implement trainings for over 50 AmeriCorps members to support students in the after school space Serves as a member of the City Year Beloved Community Council, a group with representatives from across the nation, coming together to promote staff and corps initiatives around Diversity, Equity, Inclusivity, and Belonging

Overview: As a City Year La Silla Fellow, I played a pivotal role in advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within the organization. I championed representation, equity in opportunities, and cultural competency to accelerate the leadership development of BIPOC individuals at all levels.Key Accomplishments:Advocated for representation of BIPOC individuals in leadership roles, fostering an inclusive environment where diversity was celebrated.Designed and facilitated cultural competency training programs, enhancing awareness of unconscious biases and promoting respect for diverse cultural backgrounds.Coordinated mentorship initiatives, supporting BIPOC staff in career development and leadership roles.Developed and led Affinity Groups to empower BIPOC employees through community, mentorship, and advocacy.Established safe spaces for open dialogue on DEI issues, fostering constructive conversations and driving organizational change.Experience Highlights:Developed and implemented training initiatives to enhance cultural competency and awareness of unconscious biases.Advocated for inclusive policies and practices, addressing barriers hindering BIPOC individuals' career advancement.Facilitated mentorship and sponsorship programs aimed at supporting BIPOC staff in their career development.Led efforts to create safe spaces for dialogue on diversity, equity, and inclusion issues within the organization.

At Lyrik's Institution, I managed operational activities and programmatic initiatives, ensuring efficient service delivery. Responsibilities included strategic planning, budget management, program development, and staff supervision. I led and supervised a team of staff and volunteers, fostering a collaborative work environment. My role involved community engagement and building strong relationships with stakeholders. Key achievements include streamlining operations, launching successful programs, and enhancing community partnerships. I developed and implemented strategic plans, coordinated program activities, and evaluated program effectiveness through regular assessment and feedback.

The Surge Fellowship at the Surge Institute is designed to empower emerging leaders of color in education. As a fellow, I engaged in rigorous training sessions focused on enhancing leadership skills, strategic planning, and organizational management. I collaborated with peers to design and implement projects addressing critical community challenges. Through mentorship and networking, I built a robust support system of mentors and leaders in the education sector. Key achievements include completing the fellowship, successfully implementing a capstone project, and driving community advocacy through strategic initiatives. My responsibilities included engaging in leadership development, strategic planning, mentorship, and networking, all aimed at improving educational outcomes and equity.The Surge Institute is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with a mission to educate and develop leaders of color who create transformative change for young people, their families, and our broader communities. The Surge Fellowship serves as a best-in-class, cohort-based experience that unites, accelerates and empowers emerging leaders of color in education.

As a 7th Grade English Language Arts Teacher at Forest Park Middle School, I delivered high-quality instruction and fostered a supportive classroom environment. I developed comprehensive lesson plans, utilized diverse teaching methods, and integrated technology to engage students. Responsibilities include managing classroom behavior, assessing student progress, and collaborating with colleagues. Key achievements involve increasing student literacy, creating an engaging learning atmosphere, and receiving positive feedback. I adapted instructional materials to meet individual needs and supported students with special needs and English language learners.

As a Teach For America Corps Member, I provided excellent education in a high-need school, designing comprehensive lesson plans and utilizing diverse instructional strategies. Responsibilities include managing classroom behavior, assessing student progress, and providing individualized support. I participated in professional development and collaborated with stakeholders to support student success. Key achievements involve increasing student achievement, fostering a positive classroom environment, and advocating for educational equity. I engaged with parents and guardians to build strong home-school partnerships and contributed to TFA’s mission by promoting high expectations and a growth mindset among students.

As a Customer Advocate at Assurant Employee Benefits, I supported clients by addressing inquiries, resolving issues, and providing benefit information. Responsibilities include guiding clients through benefit options, coordinating with internal departments, and ensuring high customer satisfaction. I maintained accurate records, advocated for client needs, and ensured compliance with company policies. Key achievements involve high customer satisfaction ratings, effective issue resolution, and process improvements that enhanced client service. I provided benefit education, conducted informational sessions, and assisted clients with enrollment processes.

At Landmark Bank, I provided exceptional customer service, handled financial transactions, and promoted bank products. Responsibilities include assisting customers with account management, processing transactions, and resolving issues. I maintained accurate records, ensured compliance with bank policies, and participated in sales promotions. Key achievements involve high customer satisfaction ratings, achieving sales targets, and maintaining branch compliance. I built strong customer relationships and contributed to branch goals through effective customer engagement and problem resolution.

Utilized sales and marketing techniques to achieve various sales goals.Worked with a team of associates in order to provide outstanding customer service resulting in high customer retention rates. Specialized in cash handling. Responsible for training new personnel in job duties and responsibilities.Carefully followed all branch and FDIC policies and procedures. Helped customers find the bank’s financial products that best suited their needs.Created relationships with customers and business owners.

As a Client Service Professional at H&R Block, I provided exceptional service to clients during tax season. Responsibilities include greeting clients, scheduling appointments, assisting with tax documentation, and ensuring a smooth client experience. I resolved client concerns, promoted H&R Block's services, and maintained client satisfaction. Key achievements involve high client satisfaction ratings, efficient appointment management, and contributing to sales goals. I engaged with clients to build trust, provided accurate information, and supported tax professionals in delivering timely and accurate service.

As an intern at Cross Roads Credit Union, I managed a broad range of responsibilities, including member services, financial transactions, and organizational operations. I designed training programs, created marketing materials, and implemented new technologies. Responsibilities include providing exceptional customer service, processing loans, and managing member accounts. Key achievements involve launching mobile banking services, designing comprehensive training manuals, and enhancing member engagement. I supported daily operations, assisted with loan processing, and contributed to customer service initiatives.

As a Tele-Recruiter at Cottey College, I contacted prospective students to promote enrollment, provided admissions guidance, and informed them about financial aid options. Responsibilities include building relationships with prospective students, recording detailed notes in the CRM system, and collaborating with admissions counselors. Key achievements involve successfully recruiting students, increasing enrollment, and receiving positive feedback for professionalism and support. I guided prospective students through the admissions process, provided information on scholarships, and assisted with financial aid applications.