Black History Month Faculty and Staff Spotlights 2023!

What courses do you teach OR what is your role here at Wentworth?

I am responsible for developing and executing departmental strategic plans for the Office of Development and Alumni Relations (incl. Major/Principal Gifts, Wentworth Fund & Leadership Annual Giving, Planned Giving, and Alumni Engagement). I am charged with setting and achieving fundraising and engagement targets and collaborating closely with faculty and staff across the University to ensure successful achievement of these targets.

Briefly share what led you to the work you do now and why you believe it is important. (e.g. interests, research, or experiences)

30 years ago, I stumbled into the field of philanthropy taking a job in a community-based organization and after my first acquired gift of $25,000, I was hooked! I love the power of the philanthropic community to change the lives of many and the power of pooled resources. This sector is ever-evolving and finding new ways to bring people and resources together. I am inspired by the impact that I have been able to have on the lives of so many through the work that I do. Helping families in need and/or supporting individuals seeking education, sports, arts, or any activity that would otherwise be beyond their reach. It is not just the ones in need either. It is also a wonderful experience to help a donor connect with a passion and to see how they in fact are transformed by the act of giving.

What is something exciting currently happening in either your professional or personal life?

I am thrilled that in both my professional (Wentworth) and personal life (I serve on 2 nonprofit boards) I am part of teams that are over 90% to achieving fundraising goals for the fiscal year (July 2022 - June 2023) with 5 months to meet and exceed the goal.

What is one piece of advice you have for our aspiring Black students OR students in general at Wentworth?

Own your place at Wentworth. Rest assured that you not only have a seat at the table -- you have a vote and the power to impact others with your vote! Recognize this power and use it!

Feel free to express anything else you'd like to share. (recent publications, awards or achievements, personal or communal accolades)

Part of what drew me to Wentworth is that we share a common philosophy -- the value of hands-on experience and engaging with a group of similar professionals. It is important to belong to a group where you can share and gain ideas on best practices, overcoming challenges, and ideas for connecting with key prospects. Professional networks and mentors have helped me immensely over the course of my career. As we at Wentworth know, the education found in a course book does not come close to the lessons learned in the field. Connect with someone that has a great deal of field experience and you are guaranteed to be enriched.

What courses do you teach OR what is your role here at Wentworth?

I have taught several architectural courses at Wentworth. I started teaching in 2013 in the first-year foundation studios but most recently have taught courses in the M.Arch program. I am currently teaching a course titled, [Re]-Constructing Community which addresses architecture's role in re-building historically underrepresented communities.

Briefly share what led you to the work you do now and why you believe it is important. (e.g. interests, research, or experiences)

As someone who studied and practiced architecture, I always struggled with the relationship of architecture and communities of color. This has resulted in a deeply rooted passion to constantly investigate ways in which the design of the built environment impacts our everyday experiences within our communities. I believe that designers, architects, landscape architects, urban planners, and artists can help envision and construct places that celebrate, inspire, and challenge us to think about the spaces we occupy in new ways. Unfortunately, all too often, the processes and decisions that influence the construction and reconstruction of the built environment remain inaccessible to constituents.

What is something exciting currently happening in either your professional or personal life?

I am constantly entrenched in early architecture education. I take pride in playing a role of mentorship and advocacy for the youth, especially BIPOC youth who will inherit this field I cherish. My hope is to impact this field in a way that will make it more accessible for them than it was for myself and many others whom look like me. I take this responsibility seriously and the work truly excites me.

What is one piece of advice you have for our aspiring Black students OR students in general at Wentworth?

It's truly tough to navigate this space alone. My advice is to constantly advocate for yourself and surround yourself with like-minded people.

Feel free to express anything else you'd like to share. (recent publications, awards or achievements, personal or communal accolades)

AIA Associates Nomination

What courses do you teach OR what is your role here at Wentworth?

My role is to carry out exceptional customer service to prospective students, faculty, and staff. In addition, I assist with making sure prospective students' applications are complete when applying to Wentworth. I also manage 15 Enrollment Services Assistants.

Briefly share what led you to the work you do now and why you believe it is important. (e.g. interests, research, or experiences)

My lifelong passion has always been to inspire, lead and develop future leaders. It is a privilege to be part of shaping future leaders at WIT and providing the pathways and tools for students to be successful.

What is something exciting currently happening in either your professional or personal life?

I am thrilled to celebrate my 10th year at Wentworth and to be part of a community that is committed to the mission of shaping hands-on, future-focused, and career-ready leaders.

What is one piece of advice you have for our aspiring Black students OR students in general at Wentworth?

I would encourage all students to be their authentic self and get involved in as many clubs and organizations that their schedule allows. It's also important to follow your dreams even when times get difficult.

Feel free to express anything else you'd like to share. (recent publications, awards or achievements, personal or communal accolades)

In 2015 I received the President's Achievement Award for service to community.