As a collegiate track All-American, I learned a great deal about pushing for a personal record each time I competed. Coaches became mentors both on and off the track. After graduating I knew I wanted to begin my career by motivating and inspiring today’s youth. Thanks to the support of Mentors I am now a motivational speaker originally from Harlem, New York, working with grade school, high school and college students throughout the United States. My goal is that the  enlightenment and empowerment in my message provides my listeners with insight on how to go about life in a more effective manner.

One fact that stood out to me in my studies was that many times, children that are introduced to environmentalism at a young age care more for the environment throughout their lives. With my background in communications, I knew I could funnel my passion of environmentalism into education. My job search led me to Green Our Planet, a nonprofit that raises funds for sustainable projects and builds teaching gardens for Las Vegas schools. I began volunteering a few days a week, researching grants and communicating with volunteers. It was exciting to see the inner workings of a small nonprofit that has such a wide impact on students in Las Vegas.

I share what I learned from my mentors; focus on shifting your thought process from surviving life to thriving through it.  I encourage youth to go after their dreams, and to believe that their dreams are possible.  I know that with this positive outlook youth begin to work on their dreams at a young age, giving them a lot of time to develop the skills and confidence necessary to accomplish them.  I understand not everyone knows what their dream is yet, but I focus on preparing the soil so that when a dream does develop, they know how to help it grow.

“I Believe That My Dreams Are Possible” is a chant that I have them repeat, to start manifesting what will soon become their reality.  I believe that when youth can empower each other, it creates positive interactions among the youth and stronger environments within schools, friends and peers circles.  My hopes are that this goes home with them to empower stronger relationships within their homes as well, creating a ripple effect leading to sustainability and success.