Growing up in the Bronx and Harlem, life wasn't easy for me. Poverty, hunger, and challenges of living with grandparents battling addiction were daily realities. I knew hardship from a young age, often teased and left wondering where my next meal would come from. But from those tough experiences, I found strength. I made a promise to myself never to turn to drugs and, one day to help others break free from the struggles I knew so well.

After raising my two daughters and 21 years of service as a public safety officer at Fordham University, I retired to focus entirely on giving back. Now through my organization, Protection and Direction youth and family services, I'm dedicated to helping families in my community. With a year of commitment so far, I have made strides towards creating a safer and more supportive environment. I work on the front lines raising awareness about Domestic Violence, promoting nonviolence, and helping families get the resources they need to thrive.

Protection and Direction youth and family services has become a pillar in the community providing essentials and support for those in need. Through coat drives to keep people warm, toy drives to bring joy to children and feeding the homeless and the community. Each of these efforts strengthens the bond within the community and reinforces the message that help, compassion, and support are just around the corner. This is not just a job, it's my life purpose. I am living proof that change is possible and with the right guidance, every young person in our community can find the direction they need to build a better future.