Committee Work, Conferences, and Professional Development

In addition to my DEI committee work, I actively participate in ongoing professional development, informed by my background as a Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor and a proud Black woman. I consistently seek new ways to integrate inclusive and culturally responsive approaches into my classrooms and the curriculum to support student’s academic and personal growth. My past attendance at conferences and workshops and extensive clinical experience allow me to bring relevant, up-to-date practices into the classroom. This commitment to professional growth enhances my effectiveness as an educator and counselor, ensuring that I meet my students' diverse needs in both academic and practical capacities.

Through my committee involvement and dedication to professional development, I demonstrate an ongoing commitment to fostering an inclusive, empathetic, and professionally informed environment that supports student success and personal growth.

Below you will find a summary of my commitment and professional development experience.

Academy for New Faculty

Being part of the Academy for New Faculty has been a profoundly enriching experience that has allowed me to grow both personally and professionally. I’ve truly valued the opportunity to engage with fellow educators, building meaningful connections that extend beyond professional relationships. These connections foster a sense of community, collaboration, and shared purpose that enhances our collective commitment to student success.

One highlight of this journey was presenting a session on De-Escalation strategies. Sharing these insights with my peers not only reinforced my passion for teaching but also demonstrated the importance of community. By contributing to the collective growth of our cohort, I was able to emphasize the importance of proactive communication and emotional intelligence in education—skills that are vital for fostering positive interactions both inside and outside the classroom.

This experience directly benefits Edmonds College by enhancing the quality of teaching and learning across disciplines. As an advocate for collaboration and excellence, I share strategies that enrich classroom experiences, positively impacting students' academic and personal growth. Through the exchange of ideas and best practices, I am better equipped to support students in achieving their goals while contributing to the broader vision of Edmonds College.

Aligning with Edmonds College’s vision of strengthening our diverse community and fostering learning and success for all, my involvement in the Academy has reinforced my commitment to demonstrating excellence in education. By integrating the skills and knowledge gained through this experience into my teaching and campus initiatives, I am better prepared to support students and colleagues, ensuring that Edmonds continues to thrive as a transformative educational institution.

Teaching and Learning Day

As a new faculty member, participating in Teaching and Learning Day was an incredibly enriching experience that has significant benefits for my students and Edmonds College as a whole. Collaborating with two of my colleagues to present on "Extending Due Dates to Enrich Student Learning" allowed us to share innovative strategies designed to support student success. My segment, titled "Extending Due Dates to Enhance Student Learning," focused on how flexibility in academic deadlines fosters deeper learning, reduces stress, and empowers students to navigate the complexities of their academic and personal lives.

This presentation underscored the importance of student-centered teaching and demonstrated how adaptable approaches can contribute to equitable learning experiences. By engaging with faculty across disciplines, I gained fresh insights and reaffirmed my commitment to fostering a supportive environment where students can thrive.

The knowledge and strategies I brought back from this experience directly benefit my students by creating a more inclusive and understanding classroom dynamic. Students facing external pressures are provided with opportunities to meet their potential without compromising self-esteem. For Edmonds College, this initiative aligns with the institution's vision of fostering learning and success for all. It exemplifies our shared dedication to innovative, equity-driven teaching practices that empower students to excel academically and personally. By embracing these principles, I aim to contribute to a culture of excellence and inclusivity that enhances both student outcomes and the broader campus community.

Department Chair

My time as department chair was an unplanned chapter, as I was unexpectedly thrust into the role. At the time, I was in my first year of the tenure process, navigating Edmonds College personnel and processes. I accepted the role with the reassurance that my team would provide me with support and grace as I adjusted to this new position. Unfortunately, as I later found out, this understanding did not fully materialize.

Despite the challenges, I proactively worked to learn the role’s responsibilities and nuances. This wasn’t easy, but I maintained a resilient attitude, consistently seeking to rectify any errors brought to my attention and striving to meet the demands of the role. One of my primary goals was to unify our department through regular meetings and by organizing themed events, as my predecessor had, to foster a sense of community and collaboration. However, these efforts did not achieve the desired effect, and I faced difficulties in establishing the collegial environment I had envisioned.

In leadership, I aimed to support and advocate for my colleagues, fostering a positive departmental culture wherever possible. After a time, I ultimately decided to step down from the position, refocusing my efforts on other campus roles where I could contribute meaningfully. Although the experience wasn’t a pleasant one, it reinforced my resilience, inner drive, and commitment to my students and personal growth as a leader.

Reflecting on this experience, I am proud of the enthusiasm and dedication I brought to the role, despite the challenges. I hope that someday when presented with the opportunity, I can build upon this foundation to contribute to the continued growth and excellence of the Social and Human Services department.

Faculty Senate Co-Chair E&I Committee

As Co-Chair of the Faculty Senate Equity & Inclusion (E&I) Committee, I am deeply proud of the meaningful work I have been able to contribute, which directly benefits my students and the broader Edmonds College community. Serving in this role has been an incredible opportunity for learning and personal growth, enabling me to engage in initiatives that promote inclusivity, equity, and diversity across the campus.

Through the committee, I have supported efforts to empower students and faculty by fostering an environment where all voices are heard, respected, and valued. These initiatives not only address systemic inequities but also cultivate a culture of belonging that directly enhances the educational experience for students. For example, our work ensures that students from marginalized backgrounds have equitable access to resources and opportunities that enable their success.

This role also benefits Edmonds College by advancing the institution’s commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion as central pillars of its mission and vision. By championing change and collaboration, I aim to inspire my colleagues and students to actively contribute to a campus culture that celebrates diversity and supports growth. This experience reinforces my dedication to creating a learning environment where everyone can thrive, reflecting the college’s values and priorities.

TEDx Talk Event

I am incredibly proud of my collaboration with the TEDx event, an initiative that amplifies diverse voices and fosters meaningful conversations within the Edmonds College community. This experience has provided a unique opportunity to engage with innovative thinkers, collaborate with inspiring individuals, and contribute to thought-provoking events that spark dialogue and inspire action.

For my students, this collaboration serves as a powerful example of how diverse perspectives and creative expression can lead to transformative learning experiences. It reinforces the importance of critical thinking, inclusivity, and the value of sharing ideas that challenge conventional boundaries. My involvement offers students a tangible connection to global conversations and motivates them to see their own potential as change-makers.

This partnership also directly aligns with Edmonds College's mission to create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. By promoting creativity, inclusion, equity, and growth through this platform, I am contributing to a campus culture that values diversity and innovation. The TEDx event strengthens the college's reputation as a hub for intellectual and cultural engagement, benefiting students, faculty, and the broader community alike.

Planning Committee; MLK Event, Black History Month

My work on the MLK Jr. and Black History Month planning committees has been a deeply rewarding experience, enabling me to honor and celebrate the rich history, resilience, and contributions of the Black community. These events are vital in creating spaces for education, reflection, and dialogue, allowing the Edmonds College community to engage with the enduring legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the broader historical and cultural impact of the Black experience.

Through these initiatives, I have collaborated with passionate colleagues to design meaningful events and activities that spark engagement and inspire transformative learning, both on campus and within the larger Edmonds community. By curating programming that highlights diverse narratives and fosters a deeper understanding of systemic issues, these events reinforce the importance of equity and inclusion in academic and social spaces.

My involvement directly benefits my students by providing opportunities to connect with the values of social justice, resilience, and advocacy. These events encourage students to explore and embrace diverse perspectives, empowering them to use their voices and contribute to building a more equitable society. For Edmonds College, these initiatives align with the institution’s commitment to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and dynamic learning environment, enriching the campus culture, and promoting community engagement.

Hiring Committee

Serving on the hiring committee has been an incredibly meaningful experience that underscores my dedication to supporting Edmonds College's mission and values. I feel deeply honored to contribute to a process that not only shapes the future of our institution but also directly impacts the success of our students and the strength of our campus community.

I approach this responsibility with a commitment to equity, ensuring that each candidate is evaluated fairly and without bias. My involvement reflects my passion for fostering diversity and inclusion, as I work to advocate for candidates who will enrich the college's learning environment and align with its commitment to excellence and equity.

Being selected for this role is a testament to the trust my colleagues have in my ability to bring thoughtful and inclusive perspectives to the committee. This opportunity allows me to champion Edmonds College’s values by promoting hiring practices that reflect the diverse experiences and identities of our students and community. Ultimately, my work on the hiring committee supports Edmonds College's vision of fostering a dynamic and inclusive environment where every student can thrive.

Faculty and Staff of Color Conference

My involvement with the Faculty and Staff of Color Conference has been profoundly meaningful, serving as an annual lifeline that deeply enhances my growth as an educator. This gathering provides a unique space to recharge and reconnect with a community that understands the shared challenges and triumphs of navigating educational spaces as a person of color.

Each year, the conference renews my commitment to equity and excellence, equipping me with fresh perspectives and innovative approaches that directly benefit my students. It deepens my empathy, sharpens my understanding of systemic issues, and strengthens my ability to create inclusive and supportive learning environments.

This experience fortifies my passion for teaching and allows me to bring renewed energy and purpose back to the classroom. By continually engaging in this professional and personal development, I am better prepared to guide, inspire, and empower my students, ensuring their success aligns with Edmonds College’s mission to foster equity and excellence.