I grew up in Los Angeles, California with a single mother.  My three sisters and I were always surrounded by family, music, and conversations.  I am the third generation removed from slavery.  My great grandmother is my hero. I hope to be the woman she was.  Her values, passion for civil rights, equity for all people and the appreciation for a healthy environment are lesson I will never forget. I was introduced to Ashland in 2006 by my wife and fell in love with this city.  I quickly immersed myself into the tapestry of Ashland.  I have been Senior Sales Manager with Neuman Hotel Group for fourteen years. My passion for community gave me the idea to create the Southern Oregon Pride Festival. After that I became active on many nonprofit boards such as The Children Advocacy Center, Addiction Recovery Center, Ashland Rotary, and the Martin Luther King committee.  I am currently an elected member of the Ashland City Council.