at five years old, i stood behind a church podium the size of a redwood tree and delivered a prayer that echoed through the sanctuary. while others found fear, i found my voice. that same voice carried me through student speeches, protest chants, press releases, and brand campaigns.

i studied strategic, legal, and management communication at howard university, and sharpened my skills in public affairs, nonprofits, and agency life — from the department of education to edelman, the washington commanders, and beyond. i later earned my master’s in mass communications from virginia commonwealth university. today, i serve as a communications specialist for the local government in houston, texas, where i write for the commissioner and shape public messaging across the county.