What is your role on BYA Board?
I serve as a member of the BYA Board, where I leverage more than 10 years of extensive experience in Talent Acquisition and HR to contribute to the strategic direction and operational efficiency of the organization. I have transformed my expertise and learning to intersect with education. I currently have the pleasure of serving as the Assistant Director of Employer Relations in the Career Center at Georgetown University’s School of Foreign Service. My role aligns with BYA’s mission by supporting the development of creative, personal, and educational skills in young people, empowering them to become leaders in their communities as they thrive in the workplace and innovate entrepreneurial endeavors
How does your role help BYA accomplish its mission?
My role helps BYA accomplish its mission by implementing effective human capital strategies that attract and retain top talent, ensuring we have the right people in place to drive our initiatives forward. By fostering a diverse and inclusive culture and using data-driven insights to inform decision-making, I help create an environment where young people can develop their artistic and professional skills. This supports BYA’s belief that the arts are a path towards personal liberation and self-sufficiency, positively impacting those facing incarceration and the broader community’s perceptions.
What inspired you to become involved with the BYA?
My inspiration to become involved with BYA stems from my deep-rooted connection as an immensely proud 3rd generation Baltimorean and my early introduction to education & career development through my mother and grandmother, who were each BCPS educators for more than 30 years. Their dedication to building community and empowering students ignited my passion for helping others achieve their professional goals, which aligns perfectly with BYA’s mission of using the arts to engage youth and build long-lasting mentoring relationships.
What would you consider some of the organization’s most significant achievements in recent years?
As the premiere art-entrepreneurial program in Baltimore focused on our youth. BYA’s most significant achievements in recent years include the successful implementation of various community outreach programs that have positively impacted the lives of countless young people in Baltimore. The organization’s focus on culture, access, entrepreneurship, and wellness has fostered a more supportive and empowering environment, helping young people involved in the justice system and beyond gain the skills needed to become leaders in their communities.
What are some of your goals for the organization in the upcoming years?
In the upcoming years, my goals for BYA include expanding our outreach efforts to reach more young people in the community, enhancing our talent acquisition strategies to build a more robust and diverse team, and leveraging technology to streamline operations and improve program effectiveness. Additionally, I aim to strengthen our partnerships with local businesses and organizations to create more opportunities for our members, supporting our vision of a world where all young people have equal access to opportunities that allow them to discover their purpose.
What advice would you give to someone looking to get involved in nonprofit work?
My advice for someone looking to get involved in nonprofit work is to find a cause you are passionate about and look for ways to leverage your skills and experience to make a meaningful impact. Build relationships with other professionals in the field, stay open to learning, and be adaptable to the unique challenges and opportunities that come with nonprofit work. Most importantly, remember that your dedication and efforts can make a significant difference in the lives of others. This aligns with BYA’s values of hope, connection, trust, inquiry, and risk, emphasizing the importance of personal and creative growth.