MY STORY
My decision to live boldly is reflected throughout my life…and flair for fashion. I hope my story inspires you to dream as big as you possibly can. Believe in yourself. Challenge yourself. Take risks. Be bold. Be brave. Most importantly, wherever you go, always show up as your truest and most authentic self, because you do the world a disservice by depriving it of the real you. You matter and you belong.
TITLE HERE
1981
Born in Akron, OH.
1999
Graduated from Kenmore High School as Valedictorian. Received a full-ride scholarship to Clark Atlanta University to study chemistry in an accelerated 5-year BS/MS program.
2002
Elected 1st Attendant Miss Clark Atlanta University.
2004
Graduated with honors from Clark Atlanta University and began a PhD program in Biological and Biomedical Sciences at Harvard University.
2005
Took a leave of absence from Harvard after one semester and moved to Los Angeles to pursue acting. Quickly discovered I was not about the “starve to be an actor” life, and decided to work as a substitute teacher.
2006
After a transformative experience teaching in LAUSD for over a year, I returned to Harvard with a new perspective.
2011
Completed my PhD and was selected to serve as Commencement Marshal in recognition of my work as a student leader. Began a postdoctoral fellowship at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center while applying for science policy programs.
2012
Obtained a 2-year AAAS Science & Technology Policy Fellowship at the White House Office of Science and Technology with the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology.
2014
AAAS Fellowship ended, and I decided to take a leap of faith to pursue my media and STEM passion, pitching my idea to several media companies.
2014
Gave my parents their first tour of the West Wing. Had to cut it short because President Obama needed to use the Oval Office, which was simultaneously amazing and disappointing.
2015
After over 100 informational interviews (which helped me amass an extensive media network!), I returned to the White House as a Senior Policy Advisor to incubate and implement what became known as the “Image of STEM” project.
2015
Had the honor of meeting Katherine Johnson when she was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom.
2016
Co-hosted live desk for final Obama White House Science Fair.
2016
As my last official event as an Obama White House staffer, I co-organized a historic screening of the film Hidden Figures and moderated a panel with the cast and creative team.
2017
Nominated for Shero award in inaugural Women’s Choice Awards.
2017
Received an Honorary Doctorate of Science from Regis College.
2018
Featured in CBS Women’s History Month PSA.
2018
Selected by U.S. State Department to participate in the international speakers program, going on a 2-week speaking tour in two countries in Africa —Namibia and Swaziland.
2019
Served on Barbie Global Advisory Board.
2020
Was a SeeHer silver carpet correspondent at the 2020 SAG Awards.
2022
Featured in Wondrium “STEM for All” series.