I have been working at AU for 11 years, mostly at SIS though I’ve held three different positions at the University.  I also completed my MA in International Peace and Conflict Resolution as a part-time student.  As part of the Graduate Enrollment Management team for almost 5 years, I have been focusing on making SIS a more diverse and inclusive community and helping SIS do our part to further diversify the professional field of international affairs.

My own graduate work included a focus on facilitation of intergroup processes and identity-based conflict, and my thesis focused on understanding how meaningful- but ordinary- contact with a different racial identity group can contribute to the breakdown of stereotypes. I enjoy using my facilitation skills to help small and large groups of people learn how to engage in constructive conversations about difficult topics, especially race and ethnicity.

Though I couldn’t have predicted my career path as it unfolded, I talk about my current position- focusing on educational access as a way to open new doors for people and breakdown ongoing barriers to equity– as a combination of my interests and past experiences.  My experiences studying abroad in South Africa during the early years of Nelson Mandela’s presidency and participating in community-wide efforts to improve race relations through dialogue in Delaware, Alabama and DC led to my transition from a teaching career to working on my master’s here at AU.  Prior to coming to AU, I was a high school teacher for seven years at my alma mater, Good Counsel High School in Maryland, and before that I was an Americorps Volunteer in Selma, AL.  My grad school focus on racial/ethnic conflict– both domestic and international– and my education background made my position in Graduate Admissions at SIS with a focus on diversity and inclusion seem like a perfect fit.

I thrive on helping people make new connections that foster the creation of their own more diverse social and professional networks.  I believe this network diversity serves more than just individual interests but also fosters lifelong learning, breaks down stereotypes and builds up a more inclusive community.

Ask Me About…

• Organizations that promote dialogue, improve race relations, focus on diversity and inclusion
• Tips for networking
• The education sector
• Podcast recommendations

In addition to my current role at SIS, I also know about some other aspects of the AU Community, including…

• The IPCR Program
• The Center for Diversity and Inclusion
• University Communications and Marketing
• Student organizations
• Kay Spiritual Life Center
• The Intergroup Dialogue Program
• And lots more… I’ve been here 11 years!

Outside of AU, I spend my time…

• With my husband and other family members- including 2 nephews and a niece
• Reading in my hammock or at Starbucks
• Playing volleyball, hiking, traveling, taking pictures
• Listening to podcasts during my long commutes to and from AU

I am a member of the following groups/associations…

• National Coalition of Dialogue and Deliberation
• A Women’s Volleyball League

I have lived or traveled….

• South Africa (study abroad)
• Morocco (facilitating a Sister Cities partnership inauguration between Tiznit and Somerville, MA)
• Switzerland (Racial Reconciliation Conference with Initiatives of Change)
• Los Angeles, CA (my roots and early years of growing up)
• Newark, DE (I’m a Blue Hen- UD Alumna)
• Selma, AL (Americorps service year)