Welcome to my LinkedIn page! My motto is, “Stay humble; it's about the mission!” ✝️ If you asked my colleagues about me, they would likely describe me as a dynamic and passionate non-profit thought leader who starts with “YES” and figures it out from there.🤞 I am honored to have been recognized as Top 50 Women Leaders in Connecticut by Women We Admire for two consecutive years, 2023 and 2024, for my contributions to non-profit development and my commitment to empowering communities. 🏅With 18 years of invaluable experience, I have dedicated my career to improving access to preventive health services for underserved communities. My areas of expertise include grants, development, prevention, outreach, and program management. I have successfully secured over 200 federal, state, and corporate grants, totaling more than $20 million in funding for impactful non-profit initiatives.📖📚💼I currently serve as the Director of Development, Grants & Outreach at Community Health Services, a vital Federally Qualified Health Center in Hartford. 🏩A lifeline for approximately 17,000 patients each year, ensuring that financial barriers do not stand in the way of essential healthcare. 🏥Throughout the state, I have built strong partnerships with foundations, healthcare professionals, businesses, schools, law enforcement, and civic groups. 🤝These collaborations have allowed me to make a meaningful impact in people's lives through active community engagement and effective program development.🙌What drives me is the mission of empowering marginalized communities, both rural and urban. My journey in addressing critical health challenges is personal, shaped by my family's experiences with intergenerational trauma and poverty. 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦Through the power of community collaboration, I am deeply committed to expanding access to healthcare for those in need. My goal is to break the cycles of addiction and mental illness that so many face, while working to reduce the high morbidity rates in underserved communities. I believe in the importance of promoting prevention services and fostering a supportive environment where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.The loss of my parents and brother to the opioid epidemic fuels my determination and serves as a daily inspiration. This work is not just a career for me; it is a tribute to their memory and a cause that extends beyond my own life.☮️💟💪