Briefly describe your role at Golden LEAF.
I evaluate funding proposals, support the implementation of Golden LEAF priorities, and oversee project monitoring and compliance activities. My work focuses on projects in the Workforce Preparedness priority.
Describe yourself in three words.
Altruistic. Considerate. Just.
What’s your favorite part of your job and why?
My favorite part of my job is engaging with projects that develop innovative methods to reintegrate individuals into the workforce and enhance employee retention.
What is your favorite pastime outside of work?
Outside of work, I love going to concerts, plays, and musicals. Recently, I saw Tina at DPAC and The Color Purple on Broadway. I also recently went to see Chris Brown and Beyonce in concert.
What is your biggest work-related accomplishment within the last year?
I am managing three health-related workforce projects in Cleveland County, focusing on the school system, community college, and university. This initiative demonstrates community collaboration aimed at training the next generation of healthcare workers. Collaborative efforts lead to more sustainable outcomes as partners align on purpose, strategy, and accountability. During due diligence, I asked questions to assess stakeholder alignment and position Cleveland County as a model of collaboration rather than just cooperation.
What motivates you to support long-term economic development in rural, tobacco-dependent, and economically distressed communities?
My motivation stems from my experience in workforce development, where I’ve witnessed how access to opportunities shapes individuals and communities. In many rural and economically distressed areas, the decline of traditional industries has led to a loss of not just jobs, but also identity and stability. Work is closely tied to personal and community identity, and when traditional structures vanish, people and communities face a redefinition of self, both individually and collectively. Successful reintegration into the workforce goes beyond skills training; it involves creating spaces for individuals to rebuild their sense of purpose, align their values with new opportunities, and envision themselves in roles that previously didn’t exist in their communities. This journey is deeply personal, focusing on restoring confidence, reshaping aspirations, and exploring new possibilities.