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Tell us about yourself.
"I'm driven to help others that have been marginalized because I grew up thinking I’d become a statistic. I grew up in Boston in one of the poorest housing communities in the country, and there weren’t many who found opportunities to make it out. Thanks to teachers, nonprofits, and my nurturing southern parents, I got opportunities that changed my life. I pursued my undergraduate studies in business management and economics at Harvard University, and I’ve spent most of my career working to help others who came from backgrounds like mine. Now, I’m an avid volunteer, always serving others and involving myself with board work. I’m a loving mother to two boys, and I’m encouraging them to get involved and volunteer — it feels good when they recognize the value of volunteering and serving others."
Why do you believe living wages are important?
"I came from an environment where people didn’t make living wages, so I know firsthand. Living wages are about fairness and human decency — bottom line, right thing to do. Plus, people working with decent wages get spending power, which helps our economy."
What do you hope to achieve as a board member of OCLW?
"I hope to apply my experiences and expertise from working with nonprofits — I’m a proud member of the Hillsborough Chamber of Commerce, Hillsborough Kiwanis Club, Durham Chapter of the Links, Incorporated, and the Orange County Living Wage Board. I also hope to help get more businesses on board and show them what we can do for employees."
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