I was born in North Carolina and am the oldest of seven children. I attended Appalachian State University, where I majored in Health Care Management, and minored in Psychology and Sociology. I worked in Corporate America, in my field, for ten years before I made the decision to “retire” and become a full-time at-home wife and mother. I began my career right out of college at a large HMO in NC (Maxicare) where I had the fortune of working on the first program the state had for managed care for children on Medicaid. I worked with fellow HMO executives to develop the collective program our companies would offer. I created the marketing and training materials, and helped to implement the program successfully. This pilot program brought access to healthcare to thousands of children otherwise with very limited or no access to adequate healthcare. My experience on that project brought me to Georgia when the top HMO’s ventured to implement a similar program. I came to work for the largest Public Health Hospital System in Georgia (Grady), and was on the task force that implemented Georgia’s first Managed Care Health Plan (PeachCare for Kids) with access to all children on Medicaid. I created the marketing materials, employee training handbook, and managed the customer service department for the program. I led the team through the Request for Proposal (RFP) process to secure the contracts for business growth and renewal. I left the Public Health facility to manage the Member/Customer Services Divisions of Cigna Healthcare, a private HMO. I led their customer service department into compliancy within 30 days of taking the position. Their business growth and renewal was sound with the management strategy I implemented. I have managed in excess of 50 employees at a time and found that my strategies work consistently. Despite leaving the corporate arena, I continue to assist with legislature awareness and strategic planning to advocate for equal access to health care for uninsured children across the country. I strive to utilize my knowledge and skills in any way I can to help others, especially those with the smallest voices-children.

My husband, Jeffrey is also a native of North Carolina and is my best friend. Jeffrey is a Computer Security and Electrical Engineer and works for The Home Depot Corporation. We live in Atlanta, Georgia with our five children. We are both actively involved in our church and community. I serve on the PTSA Boards in my children’s schools, am a devoted “Soccer/Basketball/Volleyball/ and Cheer Mom”, am a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc., and the National President of Mocha Moms, Inc. We pride ourselves on building a strong marriage daily, so that we can be the first examples our children see. We know that to make a marriage work you must commit daily to working at it. The fruit of our marriage is a blessing and we don’t take lightly the enormous responsibility that rests on our shoulders.

Mocha Moms, Inc. was founded in 1997 and is a national, non-profit organization that supports women of color who consider themselves at-home mothers. I joined Mocha Moms, Inc. in 2001 when looking for support on my journey (transition) from Corporate America to “Home”. I had a very prosperous and fulfilling career while working outside the home, but was looking for balance and encouragement from other mothers who had made the similar choice to put parenting before a paycheck. I became a leader in my local Mocha Moms chapter, and eventually at the state level. I joined the National Board of Mocha Moms, Inc. in 2004 as the National Director of Fundraising. I became the National President of Mocha Moms, Inc., January 1, 2007. During my tenure as the National President, I hope to continue the legacy set before me by our founders via our mission and platforms. I want to expand the reach and influence of Mocha Moms, Inc. across the country. This will be done via our National Community Service Initiative of “Closing the Minority Achievement Gap”, local chapter and national programming, and with support from our National Partners and Corporate Sponsors. Mocha Moms, Inc. recognizes that mothers are the nucleus of our homes and communities and that mothers traditionally have had the most influence on their children and families. We support mothers in that role, and help them to be the best they can be for their families and communities.

I am fortunate to have the business background to navigate through Corporate America policy and procedure to benefit the organizations I choose to affiliate with. I serve in leadership with intense commitment and tenacity. I serve in excellence in all that I do and attempt to learn and grow on my journey. Realizing that my family is my ultimate commitment, I am blessed that they allow me to share my gifts, talents, and knowledge to serve in other roles that bring me joy and fulfillment.