Executive director
College Possible Milwaukee
Age: 43
Hometown: Milwaukee
Education: Bachelor’s in communication and sociology from the University of Wisconsin-Parkside; master’s in educational administration from Eastern Illinois University
Previous position: Executive director at Operation Dream Inc.
How have your past experiences prepared you to take the lead at College Possible?
“As a first-generation college student, myself, I know how difficult it was for me to navigate my own collegiate experience, so I know what it takes to persevere through obstacles to achieve a degree. I also know that because of the support I received from my mentors and oth-er support systems, I was able to successfully achieve my college degree and that’s the kind of support we offer our scholars. I’ve worked with young people at every level of development from K4 to 24 years old. My journey in youth development began with work in the area of pre-college programming.”
What are your biggest goals for the organization?
“One of the goals that I have for College Possible is to increase the awareness of the organiza-tion by highlighting the impact it has had on our scholars. I want all young people to know that we are here to help them along their journey from college enrollment to degree completion. I also want to see College Possible evolve to having career exploration and professional experi-ences as a fundamental component to what we offer.”
Why should the business community pay attention to College Possible’s work?
“The business community and College Possible are organically aligned in our mission. We share the same vision for a vibrant and healthy community. That starts with obtaining a higher edu-cation and developing the skills and critical thinking needed to be successful in the workforce. The scholars from College Possible are key to providing the business community with talented and diverse leaders who will hold key positions within their businesses one day. The education, experience and exposure that our scholars benefit from will bring added value to the business-es that call Milwaukee home.”
What’s kept you in Milwaukee?
“The needs of Milwaukee have kept me here. Growing up here, I have seen a lot of our talent-ed professionals leave Milwaukee to be change agents in other places. For me, it is about giv-ing back to the city that raised me and making a difference for future generations. With this passion and commitment, I look to inspire and support young people to reach heights they may have not thought were attainable. Milwaukee developed me into the man that I am today. Therefore, Milwaukee is and will always be home to me.”
What’s one piece of advice you’d give other leaders in your line of work?
“Never forget your ‘why.’ The work of helping others is not an easy one. There are challenges that you will face, frustrations that occur and financial obstacles to overcome, but stay the course. Change is never easy, and it never happens as quickly as you would like. Continue to lead with integrity, a pure heart and be unwavering in your commitment to helping those who need you. Our future leaders and the vitality of our city depends on you.”
How do you spend your free time?
“I like to travel. To me, it’s important to experience different ways of living and learning about other cultures. Often, we can become so wrapped up in our own way of living and thinking without acknowledging that it’s not a full representation of the world around us. Through trav-eling, it confirms that we are all connected in some way.”
