That foundation led me into education administration and mentorship, where I learned how structure, guidance, and continued learning open pathways for growth. I built one of Chicago’s largest youth athletic programs, creating infrastructure that served thousands of student athletes across public, private, and Catholic schools, experience that taught me how to turn possibility into participation at scale. My first true entry into the entertainment space came in 1997 through the Hollywood Black Film Festival, where I gained firsthand insight into how creative platforms support storytellers and the systems required to help them succeed. Alongside that work, traveling as a wardrobe assistant and hair stylist with Ebony Fashion Fair deepened my understanding of preparation, presentation, and the unseen labor behind creative excellence.

Across every role, my work has centered on building infrastructure so people can thrive. I believe education is essential to growth, not how you learn, but that you continue learning. The BLK Collective exists to carry that belief forward by equipping storytellers with the knowledge, resources, and support to grow and endure.