“I am a lifelong Ann Arborite and I care about you and our community. From my first address as a child on Lake Lila Drive, to my current home in Northeast Ann Arbor where I’ve raised my own family, my heart and soul are in Ann Arbor and in Ward One.”
My parents, Mazie and Lionel, relocated to Ann Arbor in 1968. They chose to raise a family in Ann Arbor because of this city’s many opportunities. My mother was the first Black nurse to work in the Ann Arbor school system and my father worked in the auto industry. Additionally, my father spent his time volunteering for the Thurston Nature Center Clean-Up Days and mentoring neighborhood kids. My parents taught me from a young age the importance of community and giving back.
I have a Bachelor of Science in Apparel, Textiles, and Merchandising with a minor in Marketing from Eastern Michigan University. I’ve enjoyed a successful career working as a District Sales Manager for nearly 20 years, doing business across the United States. In addition to my formal education, I’ve had decades of experience in learning to navigate the criminal justice system and advocating for people struggling with mental health issues.
More than my degree, it is my experience in navigating the criminal justice and health systems that have taught me the skills I need to make contributions to City Council. My management, leadership, and strategic planning skills helped me land my current role as a Program Manager at the Ann Arbor Center for Independent Living, where I work to empower people living with disabilities and advocate for a more inclusive community for all.
I’ve been deeply invested in community service in Ann Arbor for the past several years, with a focus on volunteering in areas of mental health and criminal justice reform. I’ve been honored to draw from my lived experiences while working closely with our local government in my position on Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office’s 21st Century Policing Compliance Commission (Training and Education Subcommittee), the Washtenaw County Criminal Justice Collaborative Council (Co-Chair of Deflection/Diversion/Re-entry and Alternative Conditions for Release), the Washtenaw County Diversion Council (Policy & Training Subcommittee), the Independent Community Police Oversight Commission for the City of Ann Arbor, NAMI’s Advocacy Leadership Team, and Fresh Start Clubhouse’s Board of Directors.
Most recently, I spoke before the Michigan Senate Health Policy Committee in support of the passage of Senate Bill 637, sponsored by Sen. Stephanie Chang, which was ultimately signed into law by Gov. Whitmer. This legislation will create teams of mental health professionals to respond to mental health crises and other non-criminal emergencies throughout Michigan.
I am an active bicyclist and also enjoy public transportation - especially our great bus system! I also enjoy getting steps in by taking walks with my family and kayaking - which I mostly do in Argo Canoe Livery or Gallup Park!