About me
Growing up along “Cancer Alley” of Louisiana's Mississippi Delta gave me the first clues of environmental and economic disparity. My commitment to advancing sustainability and social impact began taking shape early in my studies and creative endeavors as I explored the role of economics, cultural production, media and business in shaping social movements.
During my early career as a brand strategist in the fast-paced advertising industry, I leveraged my talents at informing and guiding creative teams to deliver complex ideas in simple and engaging messages. That work also helped instill my collaborative approach to strategic development and ideation and honed my eye for market insights that would drive sustainable transformations in our shared economy. That fateful combination led me, for example, to co-found the first “Green Team” for voluntary employee engagement on sustainability at Grey Worldwide, where I served as a brand strategist collaborating with creatives on campaigns for blue-chip clients.
Thereafter, I pursued graduate studies in Public Policy at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy, which offered a bridge between my valuable experience as an advertising strategist and my pursuit to advance sustainable business and economic development principles. My graduate coursework addressed local economic development, social venture business principles, and impact evaluation methods. Since then, I’ve exercised my passion for minority and women-owned business development, having conducted market research, strategic planning, impact evaluation and due diligence as an impact investing associate and independent consultant.
I continued to advance with regard to environmental, social and governance considerations in the corporate sector, including as a Senior Representative responsible for investing analysis with TIAA/Nuveen Asset Management and as a consultant. As a result of 6-plus years of engaging in candid dialogue with corporate managers and directors, investors, and social-issue advocates, I’m clear about what motivates businesses to adapt more holistic sustainability practices. And, I know that by collaborating with communities, businesses can foster success while responsibly navigating the many social and environmental challenges of our day.