Hometown: Chicago, IL

Current Location: Chatham, IL

Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue your current career path?

I am from the South Side of Chicago. I grew up being inspired by the culture of the city. Trips to the museum, zoo, and theater were a regular part of my life. Chicago has such a huge arts scene, so naturally I gravitated towards that. One of the elementary schools I attended was a fine arts specialty school where I learned how to play violin, I was in the drama club and sang in the choir.

Outside of school, my mom always had me involved in some type of visual or performing arts. Even at church I was in the sanctuary at least 3 days out the week for praise dance practice and choir rehearsal. I grew up thinking I would be an actress.

In high school I was introduced to the world of radio through an After School Matters program called Teen Talk Radio Theatre. I went through their summer apprenticeship program twice and then was brought on to their weekly radio show as a co-host. This opportunity allowed me to consider other career paths.

At UIS, I decided early on that pursuing communication was the perfect major and would fit my various interests. I didn’t forget about radio and when a leadership lived (student worker) position opened at NPR Illinois, I jumped at the chance to get back into the field. Shortly after graduating, I applied for a full-time job at the station, and I’ve been with NPR Illinois ever since.

Who or what has been your biggest influence or mentor in your journey?

I like to think that I get inspiration from many places. My family has been very influential in my life. They showcased early on how being educated, well-rounded, and having a relationship with God would be integral in life. They also were very supportive of my talents, supporting me at shows and running me all around the city for rehearsals.

I think I owe my career in radio to my Teen Talk Radio Theatre family. Ms. Masequa Myers and Mr. Pemon Rami (founders of Teen Talk Radio Theatre) saw something in me and helped develop my skills in scriptwriting, acting, broadcasting and engineering. They have worked in the entertainment industry for years and were great mentors during my high school years.

There are several people in the industry that I look up to, but I think the top three would have to be Cree Summer, Regina King, and Kyla Pratt. Not only are they amazing actresses, but their voice work has been pivotal and led to the success of many television shows.

What are your goals and aspirations for the future?

I would like to get more into voice acting, narration, and animation. This would fuse my love of arts and communication.

In high school I took Mandarin language courses. I would love to learn again to become a translator.

Giving back to my community is also important. My husband Amon is a music engineer/producer. I would like to combine our skills to start a nonprofit where we teach youth public speaking, audio engineering, and broadcasting skills.

What advice would you give to others who are looking to advance and make a difference in their field?

Take opportunities when given. Be curious and ask questions. When I started working professionally, I would always volunteer for different tasks around the station. It helped me learn but I also got to showcase skills that my boss may not have known I had. Relationships are also important. You never know who you’ll run into. Most importantly pray and have faith.

What do you enjoy doing in your free time that helps you stay inspired and motivated?

Watching my husband make music sparks my creativity. Reading keeps my imagination and curiosity alive. You can find me at anything Disney related. Disney speaks to my inner child and keeps my dreams alive. Listening to gospel music and watching/attending church keeps me spiritually fed. Spending time with friends and family brings joy and laughter to my soul. Trying new restaurants broadens my horizons and sparks discovery.

Is there anything else you would like to share with us?

I am a proud member of one of the historically Black Greek-letter organizations Zeta Phi Beta Sorority Incorporated.