Daily, I reflect on how my life has changed and the luxurious lifestyle I am blessed to live. I also acknowledge my purpose to serve my students and community. With each decision, I remember the seed planted in me at a young age. I think back to the long hours my mother worked and the hour-long commute I endured to leave the city for a "good education."

Drawing on my expertise in creating and growing community schools, I lead with a visionary lens, always striving to move leaders and communities to a distinguished standard of excellence. I am committed to ensuring that my students, staff, and families will not have to send their children outside the neighborhood for a "good education." They can and should be able to send them to their neighborhood school because I have promised to provide a "great education" within walking distance. Through my work, I have transformed schools into thriving hubs that foster academic excellence and community connection.

"I will continue to serve this and any community with the philosophy that 'your zip code should not define your destiny.'"