About Me

I grew up during the turbulence of the Civil Rights movement and I embrace the lessons of that era. Committed to community involvement, I participate in organizations that promote minority youth development and empowerment. As a community activist I address the issues of leadership, career development, women’s issues in the criminal justice system, and youth projects. Some of my community endeavors include:

Youth Empowerment /Mentoring
One youth program that I have partnered with is the African American Youth Leadership Conference. A collaborative effort between Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity and Colorado College, this program has evolved into a multicultural endeavor with over 500 youth from the city. I have been involved in the program since 1998 and have facilitated seminars on Drug Awareness, Gang Involvement, Ethnic Intimidation, Conflict Resolution, Sexual Harassment, Youth in the Criminal Justice System, and Leadership.

Teaching
As a guest lecturer I have taught Race, Crime and Justice and Race, Class and Crime at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, undergraduate and graduate programs. These courses examine the effects of race and class at every level within the criminal justice system. 

Committed to empowering people to attain their highest potential, I have developed and presented the following conference workshops for professional and Christian organizations:

The Pursuit of Excellence
Women in professional settings, especially male dominated settings, often find themselves working under challenging conditions that can have devastating consequences, both professionally and personally. The most common consequences: the woman becomes cynical, too aggressive, passive, or fearful.

The Pursuit of Excellence workshop is designed to help women overcome these conditions, live up to their fullest professional potential, and not lose themselves in the process.

How to Prepare for and Successfully Execute a Dynamic Interview
This seminar emerged from years of conducting interviews for the organization for which I am employed. Whether you are new to the job market with minimal experience, if you are returning to the job market after a lengthy absence, if your are employed but want to transfer to a different position, or if you’re seeking a promotion, this workshop will equip you to perform at the optimum level.

Professional Memberships
I am a member of the following professional organizations:

The National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) was
founded in September, 1976, during a three day symposium to address crime in urban low income areas. NOBLE’s Mission is to ensure equity in the administration of justice in the provision of public service to all communities, and to serve as the conscience of law enforcement by being committed to justice by action. The goal of NOBLE is to be recognized as a highly competent, public service organization that is at the forefront of providing solutions to law enforcement issues and concerns, as well as to the ever-changing needs of our communities.
I am a charter member for the Rocky Mountain Chapter of NOBLE.

National Sheriff’s Association (NSA) is dedicated to raising the level of professionalism among U.S. sheriffs, their deputies and others in the fields of criminal justice and public safety. Founded in 1940 and one of the largest law enforcement organizations in the country, NSA has proven to be an advocate on law enforcement, criminal justice and public safety issues. The NSA represents over 3,000 elected sheriffs nationwide and has a membership of over 22,000. Its headquarters is in Alexandria, VA

Police Executive Research Forum (PERF)
The Police Executive Research Forum (PERF) is a national membership organization of progressive police executives from the largest city, county and state law enforcement agencies. PERF is dedicated to improving policing and advancing professionalism through research and involvement in public policy debate.

The University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, Alumni Association, Advisory Board
In the spirit of educational advancement, the Alumni and Friends Association strives to be the central link between the University and its alumni. The Alumni Association promotes and fosters a lasting and mutually beneficial relationship between the Alumni, the University, its students, and the community in order to support the mission, goals, and traditions of the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs.

I have served as a lecturer, workshop facilitator, and motivational speaker for churches, universities, and non-profit organizations, but my greatest joy and challenge comes from being a wife, mother, and grandmother.