Over the years my accomplishments have been broad, but the common thread among them all has been a dedication to service.  I am a proud graduate of Spelman College, and the prestigious University of Chicago’s School of Social Service Administration where I received a Master’s degree in Social Administration/Social Work.  I have worked as a health educator for pregnant women at risk of not receiving prenatal care; as a therapist and case manager for children at risk of juvenile justice involvement; and, a program officer for a major philanthropic foundation.  I have advocated for policy that supports the reduction of Heart Disease and stroke for the American Heart Association – Midwest Affiliate and, upon graduation from the University of Chicago, was selected as a Presidential Management Fellow, the esteemed fellowship program started under an Executive Order in 1977 to attract the best and brightest to public service.  During my time as a Presidential Management Fellow, I worked as a policy and management analyst for the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. During the same time, I also volunteered my time with the Sister to Sister Mentoring Program as a mentor, grant writer and chairperson and served as a board member of the Calvary Refuge Homeless Shelter.  I have a personal and professional commitment to service that is unwavering..

"Every soul is to be cherished...every flower is to bloom."
- Alice Walker

"None of my accomplishments, however, rank with my crowning achievement: my role as a loving wife to my wonderful husband John and mother to my beautiful daughter, Leila.  After having our child, I walked away from my career to focus my energies on caring for my daughter and family.  And it is perhaps because I have a daughter, that I am inspired to reinforce to young girls that despite what they see on television, what makes them most important is on the inside.  I want my daughter, and in fact every girl, to know that she can be awesome, she can be a leader, she can be whatever her heart desires if she focuses on her skills, intellect and drive to propel her.  Everything that I have been able to accomplish has been because I believed in what I could do.  It is because of this belief and the unyielding support of my wonderful husband, family and my community, that I been given a voice to spread this message. It is with honor that I represent the awesome married women and mothers of this great state as Mrs. New Jersey America!