Growing up on Chicago’s South Side, I understood early that where a child lives should never determine the opportunities they receive. Every young person deserves the chance to dream, explore, and discover their purpose. That belief has shaped every step of my journey and ultimately led to the founding of STARR Community Services International.
After earning my dual Master’s degrees in Public Administration and Political & Social Justice Studies from Governors State University, I dedicated my career to serving communities through education, leadership, and innovation. One of the most transformational experiences of my life was serving four years as an AmeriCorps FIRST VISTA, where I helped launch FIRST LEGO League Robotics within Chicago Public Schools. During that time, I witnessed firsthand how exposure to robotics, engineering, coding, and innovation ignited confidence and excitement in young people who had never imagined themselves pursuing careers in science or technology.
That experience changed my life.
It became clear to me that the opportunity gap wasn’t caused by a lack of talent; it was caused by a lack of exposure and access. Too many students in underserved communities had never been introduced to the careers that are shaping our future. Many didn’t know what STEAM even stood for, let alone understand the endless possibilities it could unlock.
At the same time, I watched schools lose arts programming, and with it, opportunities for students to develop creativity, self-expression, imagination, and confidence. The arts are not separate from science and technology; they fuel innovation. Creativity allows young people to dream beyond their surroundings, solve complex problems, and imagine possibilities that may not yet exist. Without both STEM and the Arts, we are limiting not only what our children can create, but also what they believe they can become.
That realization gave birth to STARR Community Services International and our signature initiative, STEAM INTO THE FUTURE.
Our mission is simple but urgent: to ensure that every child, regardless of their ZIP code, academic level, or economic background, has access to high-quality STEAM experiences that prepare them for the careers of tomorrow. We are not just teaching robotics, astronomy, coding, artificial intelligence, engineering, and the performing arts. We are building confidence, creating career pathways, and helping dismantle generational inequities by preparing communities for the future economy.
Throughout my journey, I have been honored to serve my community in many capacities, including as a Chicago Public Schools STEAM Ambassador, a 2025 Governors State University Distinguished Alumni Honoree, a member of the National Society of Leadership and Success, an Urban League member, Foster Park PAC Secretary, an eight-year member of the Kids First Chicago Advisory Board, and now serving my second term on the Kids First Chicago Executive Committee. Each of these experiences has strengthened my commitment to educational equity and community transformation.
Today, what continues to inspire me most is seeing the faces of young people light up when they build their first robot, look through a telescope for the first time, perform confidently on stage, or realize that they, too, belong in the future of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics.
Every time I hear a child say, “I didn’t know I could do this,” I know our work matters.
People often ask me why I work so tirelessly. My answer is simple: because I believe our communities deserve every opportunity to thrive. Preparing young people for the future isn’t just my profession; it’s my purpose.
Helping our communities envision and build a brighter future makes me feel like a superhero.
I proudly embrace the title “The STEAM Queen of the Chi,” because my superpower is exposing young people to opportunities they never knew existed, empowering them to believe in their potential, and elevating entire communities through education, innovation, and hope.
At STARR, we believe that when you expose a child to possibility, you empower them to dream. And when you empower them to dream, you elevate generations.
Together, we are not simply preparing children for tomorrow; we are helping communities STEAM Into the Future.
As the Executive Director and Founder of STARR Community Services International, my personal mission is to use my education, leadership, skills, and community advocacy to improve the quality of life in underserved communities. I am committed to exposing youth and families to pathways that position them to thrive in the future, empowering families through programs, resources, and community events that provide transformational information and opportunities, and elevating the next generation of leaders through STEAM pathways to success.
My ultimate goal is to position families for greater economic mobility, increase household incomes, and dismantle generational inequities, building stronger communities where every generation has the opportunity to learn, lead, succeed, and shine bright like a STARR.
“Exposing. Empowering. Elevating the Next Generation of STEAM Leaders.”
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