core values
integrity
When I was little, my dad kept a jar of his favorite bubble gum in the kitchen. One day, I snuck into the cabinet and took a piece. Hours later, I was guilt ridden. This was his favorite bubble gum. How could I steal a piece from him? My own father! So, when he got home that evening, I fell to my knees and confessed.
Truth is, he probably never would have noticed a piece was missing, but that was when I realized my moral conscience was something serious. From a very young age, integrity and honesty have been at the core of my values. I believe in doing what’s right and being honest, based on a foundation of love.
Living with transparency and good intentions frees up mental capacity and energy for other endeavors. Instead of remembering untruths or secrets, I use that cognitive real estate to innovate, create and dream.
authenticity
I’ve always been a little weird — but aren’t we all? I learned and embraced that fact when I was in middle school (perfect timing, right?). I found that there’s freedom and liberation in being yourself. The first step in getting others to accept who you are is showing that you accept who you are. I claim my identity and am empowered by it — black, woman, nerd, communicator, poet, community enthusiast, scholar.
When we can be ourselves, we tap into an internal reservoir of power that opens new arenas of thought. We begin to express and connect in a pure and genuine way that lasts longer, goes deeper and achieves more. If connectedness among people is powerful, authenticity and freedom within ourselves is a catalyst, encouraging people to pursue their passion and live in their purpose.
service
For years, I didn’t know there was a name for it. I thought everyone was involved in their community. Service was normal to me, like brushing your teeth or going to school — it’s just what you do. Because growing up, that’s just what we did. My mom helped start and run a food pantry at our church, my dad volunteered to coach basketball, football and track & field teams, and I was in the midst of it all. It was in my DNA — truly. I thought my parents did a lot until I saw all that my grandparents did! I learned early that if I could offer a helping hand, I should, and that’s what I’ve been doing ever since.
connection
At the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, there is a famous quote by Charles Kuralt that captures the experience of my alma mater. He asks, “What is it that binds us to this place as to no other?” and shares that it’s not the iconic features on the campus, or the feel of the city in different seasons, but rather “our love for this place is based on the fact that it is as it was meant to be, the University of the people.”
I believe that connectedness among people is powerful. It’s what binds us to places, encourages personal growth and opens the door to new possibilities. When we as individuals feel connected to our communities and to others, it is a mutually beneficial and empowering relationship. We are better and renewed from the inside out, and our communities are as well.
When I craft communications strategies, provide a helping hand in the community, share and support poetry and the arts, or strike up friendly conversation with strangers, it’s all to strengthen connection and, thus, community.
curiosity
Often times as children, we have this fervent curiosity about the world around us which dissipates over the years. Mine never did. So that annoying kid, who always asks ‘Why’? That’s me — except now, as an adult, it’s slightly less annoying under the cloak of journalism, problem-solving and creativity.
Just how curious am I? Let’s just say, for fun, I read scholarly articles and watch TED talks. Oh — and the thing I miss most about college? The library.
I have an insatiable hunger for knowledge and information and love exploring and discovering. I call it “going down the rabbit hole,” and while being in the weeds has its advantages, I’ve also learned when to zoom out and reassess.
They say “curiosity killed the cat,” but luckily, it had nine lives. 😉