I often joke that my “why” for nonprofit development is that I have a passion for telling people they’re wrong. But the truth is, my dedication to nonprofit development comes from a desire to empower underrepresented organizations and share their valuable diverse missions and initiatives. To me, nonprofits aren't just about the causes—they are about the people those causes impact.

I realized the importance of this while volunteering as a coach for the Battle of the Books program at a Title I middle school in Durham, one of the most diverse counties in the state. While I try to stay informed about the political climate we live in, I wasn’t prepared for the many questions I received about racial and other inequalities. After our first discussion, the students and I began dedicating weekly time to these conversations, creating a space where we could engage in honest dialogue. Through these discussions, I not only supported my students but also gained deeper insight into my own identity as a biracial woman.

The books we read provided context and rawness in these conversations, and I carry that perspective into each piece of media I consume. It’s this intersection of storytelling, representation, and understanding that motivates me to help those underrepresented find their voice.

Becoming an NC State Goodnight Scholar is undoubtedly my proudest professional accomplishment. I was the first student from my high school to be awarded this full-tuition scholarship (est. 2008), and I’ve continued to be an active member in the program, benefiting from professional development opportunities and enriching cultural experiences.

On a more personal note, Crocheting for a Cause (CFAC) is my number one proudest accomplishment. Through CFAC, I’ve not only created a tangible impact but, more importantly, built a thriving community on one of the largest college campuses in the country. Over 80 students, representing diverse majors, interests, and backgrounds, have found a place of belonging through this initiative. I’ll always take pride in the lasting legacy CFAC leaves at NC State.

Honest with optimism. I believe every working relationship is built on trust and meaningful conversation. I approach my contributions as opportunities to foster open dialogue between the current position and the ultimate vision. My mindset focuses on assessing where we are now, identifying where we want to be, and determining what actionable steps are needed to bridge that gap.

Last Fall, I worked on the TutorAI proposal as part of my graduate-level class, Introduction to Educational Innovation & Entrepreneurship with the goal of improving MerryQuery, a learning management software currently in development through NC State. The project came with challenges, from navigating graduate school schedules, to working through differing opinions on feature design. But it was a valuable learning experience, since it gave me the chance to collaborate with a diverse group of people, each with their own personalities and strengths. Through this project, I developed both hard skills—like market research, brand messaging, and feature design—and soft skills, such as conflict resolution, patience, and compromise.

Much to the surprise of my friends, I don’t drink caffeine. However, I am a hot chocolate addict with an undeniable passion for canned whipped cream!

1. I love Broadway and have a growing collection of playbills and magnets.

2. I have performed both in Carnegie Hall (New York City) and at Pearl Harbor (Hawaii) through my middle and high school choirs.

3. I am a proud plant parent! What started as an attempt to keep five plants alive has blossomed into a thriving collection of 20+—and yes, they’re all still thriving!

4. I have visited 48 out of 50 states and am currently planning my “Maine-to-Alaska pipeline.”

5. I occasionally foster puppies—and yes, it’s every bit as heartwarming as it sounds.

1. Skittles—because who doesn’t need a little productivity fuel?

2. A pile of books—I count this as one item since it’s made up of never-touched TBRs.

3. A picture of my family—whether you can see them behind my dog’s head is irrelevant.

The Yi Peng & Loy Krathong festivals in Thailand. As a lifelong Disney fan, I’ve always found the lantern scene in Tangled beautiful and poetic. I love the idea of being immersed in such a meaningful tradition, surrounded by the rich history and beauty of Thailand.

The NC State Wolfpack men’s basketball team would absolutely win the championship if I were the coach—No, I have never played basketball, and no, I’m not taking any further questions. You’ll just have to trust me on this one.