| I am a 7th generation Arkansan that comes from a family of sharecroppers, steel and factory workers. I was born in a small town of decent, hardworking men and women. My father, a veteran that served in Desert Storm, Iraq and Afghanistan, modeled for me at an early age to not be afraid to standup and fight for the rights of others. The morals and values instill in me are what inspired me to seek public office. To be a voice and tireless advocate for our most vulnerable and marginalized community members.
I have a Bachelors from the University of Arkansas at Pine Bluff and a Masters from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. In addition, I'm an author, education and mental health advocate, auditor for the American Correctional Association, suicide-prevention trainer and youth program consultant with decades of professional experience in the areas of juvenile justice, education, substance abuse and social justice.
For nearly a decade, I hosted the annual At-Promise Girls Empowerment Conferences. After years of data collection, I partnered with the Arkansas Minority Health Commission and the University of Arkansas at Little Rock Race and Ethnicity Institute producing an Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) report, focused exclusively on childhood adversity and girls. Children in Arkansas experience more adversity than most children in the nation.
In addition, I'm a former board Director for the Little Rock School District in which I served as the representative for over 50,000 residents and 7 schools. A true champion for children. Not only am I a champion for children, I'm a champion for women as well. In 2016, I met with Governor Asa Hutchinson, advocating for the state to recognize March as Women's History Month and acknowledge our valuable contributions. An official state proclamation was honored March 10, 2016. |