About Me

Home and Background

I am the 5th generation of my family to call Washington, DC, home. My family, my history, and my motivations are inseparable from the weaving threads of this city. A city that historically breathes Black culture, liberation, and community-built on the spirits and efforts of my Black ancestors-earning it the nickname Chocolate City. But despite my pride in what Black history means to DC, DC has to confront severe and ongoing injustices in its relationship with Black residents.

Systemic racism in DC coexists paradoxically with a majority Black population and high levels of Black administrative and political representation. This is because post "home rule” DC is still built on racist localized and federally mandated systems of planning and social policy that subjugate a predominately Black and unrepresented population. So as much as I want to work in and with local government, to have well-rounded advocacy, my career can't just be in search of "a seat at the table". From economic well-being to public health, housing, educational outcomes, and environmental conditions, there is a generational assault on Black belonging and livelihood in DC. In the face of grand challenges, local organizing and collaborative community action is the core of a more sustainable path forward to systemic justice.

It hurts to feel like Chocolate City is on a generational chopping block, but serving my community, stewarding its environment, advocating for justice, and protecting marginalized groups through urban planning and policy is my act of resistance towards erasure, as well as an act of love to all who came before me and who stand beside me today.

Future Goals and Plans

I’m working to become an urban planner who focuses on climate justice and socio-economic development. I have been trained as a generalist interested and versed in a plethora of urban-related issues and skills ranging from environmental justice advocacy, transportation research, food security, and of course, housing and liveability. My general theory of change positions me as an urban planner and sustainable development expert who will consult and collaborate with community activists and local organizations through an array of governmental, NGO, and advocacy group positions to collaborate with communities on challenging systemic injustices, repairing from historic harm, and preparing local infrastructure and social services for impending social and environmental needs.


Experience

I have spent the past few years building a robust set of community and urban-centered research, engagement, and analysis experiences both in and outside of my coursework.

GLASS Program Impact

As a member of a rather unconventional major, the GLASS program at Tandon has largely been a centering and guiding course for me throughout my Tandon experience. From a robust set of global experiences that I didn't have the funds or mindset to try, to bolster gaps in my technical skills with STEM core supplemental requirements, and access to technical resources in supply, the material benefits of the GLASS program have had an immense impact on my Tandon and educational experience. I likely would have never have studied abroad without the financial resources and incentives of the GLASS program, from which, I've had 3 GLASS funded global experiences which have significantly affected my collegiate experience and brought me a global community of friends and professional connections. I'm very appreciative of the cohort model and community as well, and am proud to represent GLASS' second cohort.