I went into Education because I wanted to help young people and use education to make a difference in students' lives.

I am completing my PhD at Western Illinois University. I have an Ed.S, in Education Specialist and Leadership from Capella University and a Master's in Leadership and Policy Studies from the University of Memphis.

Personally, my biggest challenge was the loss of my mother. Professionally, I have had a few big challenges. Earlier in my career, I found it challenging to be one of the few African-American women in a field made up of predominantly white men. It took years before my opinions were heard and acknowledged. I also find it difficult to deal with the fact that some educators are more concerned about themselves than they are the children - I especially find that to be a challenge when dealing with administration.

My strengths are my passion and dedication towards education. I am also loyal, sincere and a very hard-worker.

My greatest accomplishment is the fact that I have gotten this far considering I am from a predominantly African-American community where most are factory workers. I aspired to fulfill my own ambitions.

My goal is to become a principal, or college professor, write a couple of books on how to improve education and help a community understand what the best decisions are for their kids. I would also love to start a non-profit for at risk youth.

In order to fulfill that vision, I am finishing my PhD and finding a network of positive people that believe wonderful things are possible.

I promised myself when little that I would not struggle as my parents did. I was always seeing older women doing important things and wanted to do the same. It inspires me simply knowing that I have the power to help people in a timely manner.

I want to be remembered as a good teacher who helped as many people as I could.

• The Delta Kappa Gamma Society International
• Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.
• Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honor Society
• NAACP

• Leaders Under 40, Black Hawk Foundation - 2004
• Young Educator of the Year, Davenport Jaycee - 2013
• Youth Development Image Award, NAACP Rock Island Branch - 2005
• Kappa Delta Pi Educational Honor Society

• Shriner's Circus for Children with Disabilities

I love relaxing with my husband, traveling and going to museums.