Community Driven and Service Oriented Strategist with 14+ years of experience in launching and managing initiatives and programs aimed at serving disadvantaged communities, building and sustaining public-private partnerships, and soliciting and generating new revenue. Through intentional planning and the promotion of diversity, equity, and inclusion practices, I grow urban economies through business development and creative placemaking initiatives. As a resource and champion for budding entrepreneurs and young creatives from underinvested communities, I facilitate opportunities for minority-owned businesses in the arts, culture, and creative economy, and help stand up social enterprises that provide mentorship for youth and job training for disconnected young adults, returning citizens, and individuals with disabilities. As a nature enthusiast and environmental advocate, I propel forward collaborative endeavors that foster awareness of the natural world, inspire communities to engage with it, while leveraging participation in reinvestments for public land. My work has been recognized by publications ranging from the Inquirer to Grid Magazine. As recently highlighted in the Forbes story entitled, "With Permanent Pod Parks And Traveling Beer Gardens, Philadelphia Pioneers New Approaches To Placemaking", my efforts aim to bring people to public spaces in dynamic, meaningful, and creative ways. To sustain efforts in providing accessible and affordable fresh, nutritious food to communities across the city, especially food deserts, I streamline systems that work in lockstep with government agencies and local partners focused on operating farmers' markets that provide healthy food and accept the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). Moreover, system improvements have ensured community gardens can continue to receive FREE compost and mulch to support their work in providing healthy, local food to their community. Through the ups and downs in my professional journey, I have gained indispensable insights into relationship building and community trust, internal/external customer service, mentorship, and working with subject matter experts and the community to inform inclusive, practical, and efficient solutions. For more information about the impactful initiative and programs I’ve developed, funded, and implemented, please send me a message. I’d love to share my story with you.