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Where are you from?

I am from Edgard, LA.

 Tell us a little bit about yourself:

I am a product of St. John the Baptist Parish Public School System. I graduated from West St. John High School as the Class of 2005 salutatorian. Afterwards, I pursued and graduated with a degree in Mass Communication from Southeastern Louisiana University in 2008, then later went on to obtain a Masters of Arts in Multimedia Journalism from Arkansas Tech University in 2011.

For the past four years, I have been the Communications Manager for St. John the Baptist Parish Library System.  In this role, I maintain social media platforms for the library system, as well as coordinate and promote programs and services.  Prior to this, I was the branch manager at our Edgard location. While there, I was always available to assist patrons from the local community with their library needs and implemented programs that both children and their parents could enjoy. I have to say that each position with the library has indeed promoted my professional growth.

Who are some black role models you look up to and why?

My mother is the only black role model in my life.  She has always had a fierce determination to be a positive example for my brother and I.  Having a fulltime career did not limit her involvement in our school activities, or any extracurricular activities we were interested in. My mother is my greatest cheerleader. She not only made sure to promote my academic successes, but also my overall development and achievements as a young woman. The relationship that I have with my mother is based on limitless respect, and the greatest love I possess. She is not only a blast to hang around, but an open book of wisdom. If ever I am having doubts, my mother is there to reassure me with her honest opinions. She is truly the greatest, and will always be someone that I look up to.

 What does Black History Month mean to you?

The celebration of Black History Month is really not enough time to highlight the many contributions of African Americans. There is endless pride when sitting at the red light, hearing about someone having a successful heart surgery, or use of voice over internet protocol (VOIP); and the list goes on. To me African Americans and their knowledge and inventions have positively affected all areas of everyday life for everyone. Black History Month allows us to start a conversation that should be held in our everyday lives throughout the year.  I say this because the strides made by African Americans in various fields are quintessential to the development and advancement of technology and the human race. The hard work of the men and women before us will forever be an integral part of history.

 Why is it important to encourage diversity?

To me diversity is the spice of life. It allows people of various racial and ethnic backgrounds to be represented in the community and or workplace. But just because a community or workplace is diverse aesthetically, does not mean that everyone works or fellowships together; there’s no coexistence. In order for diversity to really work, we must focus on equality and inclusion.  I believe that success is greatest with a variety of opinions. Diversity added to variety will always lead to strength in any foundation, of which to build successes of tomorrow.

 What changes would you like to see in the local community?

I would like to see more community events and businesses geared towards families. The family, regardless of its makeup, remains united when engaged in events that include everyone. Children spend an inordinate amount of time at school, as parents spend time at work. Having events or places that families can engage in locally would definitely be beneficial.