Role

As Assistant Director of Community Partnerships at the Pace Center for Civic Engagement, my role is to develop and maintain the role of community partnerships across campus and throughout the community. I provide direct communication, orientation, training and guidance for potential partners to establish relationships with the Pace Center. Campus and community collaborations are vital in providing opportunities for students and student-led groups to engage the community in alignment with the communities needs and priorities. Community partners are an essential part of service learning and their expertise and wisdom provide an environment for a deeper understanding of service and how it changes us as we change the world.  

Background

I was raised in Trenton, NJ where I was introduced to service and social change as a youth. I am the beneficiary of the STEM and Collegebound efforts for inner city youth. Education was our passport to more critical thinking and self-empowerment. With an educational background in engineering from Prairie View A&M University, and Trenton State College (now The College of New Jersey) I chose to use my program solving abilities to work in developing and implementing programs and services to youth experiencing homelessness in Trenton and Mercer County. I have had a very successful career at Anchor House Inc., a long-time Pace Center community partner. I was the director of outreach services and housing initiatives at Anchor House, and spent more than 25 years working with community partners in service of resilient young people. I served as the community partner-in-residence at the Pace Center in 2019. I also serve my local community as a volunteer fire fighter at East Windsor Volunteer Fire Company #2 where I served as president and lieutenant. I’m excited to continue my work accessing the strength of community partnerships to equip students with deep and meaningful community engagement opportunities.   

Come Talk to Me About

• Community partnerships
• Youth experiencing homelessness and hunger
• Your passion for service
• Your thoughts and ideas
• Volunteering 
• The universe

What I'm Reading

I am re-reading "A Brief History of Time" by Stephen Hawking. I find this book very relaxing, and it gives me perspective on my daily thoughts and challenges.

Favorite Community Spot

I don’t have any particular spot these days, but my favorite spots all have a body of water in the picture. A beautiful beach, lake or river are all on my list. Carnegie lake is a go to. These days Asbury Park has been my quick getaway.