Whether working with students, professionals, or organizations, my life’s focus has always focused on helping expanding and equalizing opportunities in education and the workforce, and strengthening the communities where we live.

I grew up in a family that believed deeply in hard work and service. My mother spent her career as a nurse. Witnessing her caring for patients and families in moments when compassion mattered most ingrained in me the importance of faith and persistence. My father was a heavy equipment operator who built roads and highways across our country, it’s why we relocated to Georgia while I was in high school. Watching him leave early in the morning to help build the infrastructure that keeps us moving taught me a lot about dedication and pride in your work.

Early in my career, I worked as a television reporter in Georgia and Alabama, covering local communities and telling the stories of people navigating real challenges in their daily lives. Reporting taught me how important it is to listen first, ask thoughtful questions, and make sure people feel heard.

Later, I moved into higher education and workforce development, where I helped build programs that expanded certification and job opportunities to underserved communities. As president and co-owner of JMH Consulting, I grew a small two-person business into a national, multi-million dollar consulting firm that partnered with more than fifty universities across the United States and Canada. Together with our clients, we launched professional education programs designed to help working adults gain new skills, advance their careers, and improve their economic mobility. I then served as an executive with Education Dynamics, a national higher education marketing and enrollment management agency.  

Throughout my career, I’ve believed that strong communities are built through collaboration, education, and civic engagement. That belief has guided my volunteer work as well. I’ve served on boards and leadership teams for organizations focused on education, equality, and community development. 

I currently serve as a board member for Georgia Equality and Public Education Matters Georgia, and I’m an advisory board member for Out of Hand Theater. I’m also active with the National Council of Negro Women’s DeKalb Section and the Democratic Party of DeKalb County. In the 19 years my husband and I have lived in Virginia Highlands, I’ve been active in the Virginia Highland neighborhood association, and formed the Education Committee to keep neighbors informed on school news and events. 

When my two children were in elementary school, I served in several leadership roles at Springdale Park Elementary, including as PTO president, chair of the school’s governing team, and a member of the local school council. In those roles, I worked with parents, teachers, and administrators to strengthen school programs and bring additional resources into the classroom. I now serve as a mentor to the Midtown High School Robotics team. 

I’ve also been deeply involved in leadership development across Georgia. Through Georgia’s WIN List, I helped lead the WIN Leadership Academy, a program that trains and prepares women to run for office, lead political campaigns, and serve in positions that shape public policy. Supporting women who want to step into leadership roles has been one of the most rewarding parts of my work. 

I also became involved in grassroots organizing through Indivisible, co-founding and co-chairing our local chapter, Indivisible 5th, to help mobilize neighbors and volunteers who wanted to strengthen our democracy, and ensure that our government reflects the voices of the people it serves.

Across every part of my life, the thread that connects my work is a belief that opportunity should be accessible to everyone. I’ve spent decades working to help people grow, build stronger organizations, and strengthen the communities we share. That commitment continues to guide my work today, and why I’m running to represent the diverse and vibrant neighborhoods of our district.