Where did you grow up and how has your background influenced you today?
I grew up in Uptown, D.C. and spent a good amount of my adolescence there and in neighboring Takoma Park, Maryland. My experiences in those places provided me with a humility and class/race consciousness that follows me to this day. It also compelled me to write and act in a manner that centers African people and prioritizes our collective well-being.
Did you receive a scholarship at GW? If yes, how did your scholarship help you succeed?
I received the Stephen Joel Trachtenberg Scholarship. That full ride reaffirmed my purpose and destiny at a time when I was surrounded by forces compelling me to dim my light. Not having to worry about tuition made it easier to focus on advancing my professional goals and sharpening my craft.
What is your only-at-GW moment? In other words, what is an experience/opportunity you believe GW provided you access to?
During graduate school, I was a press pool reporter for the Obama White House. I got that opportunity through Dorothy Gilliam who introduced me to April Ryan, my supervisor between 2012 and 2014.
Tell us about your current professional role and why it excites you (if you can share a topic you're particularly excited about, we'd love to hear it).
I primarily cover education and the D.C. Council at The Informer. I talk to all types of people in the political and education realm all day and get an inside look on what happens in local schools and communities across the District. I recently produced a huge project centered on young people's college and career options they are exploring in the age of exorbitant college costs.
Was there a standout course, professor, or organization from your time as a student that inspired your career path?
The ACE Magazine, now known as The Black ACE Magazine.
What is a piece of advice you would offer to students seeking to pursue your field of work?
Sharpen your writing skills, read a lot, always be persistent and don't be afraid to talk to people. We are all human and no one is above reproach.