Public service isn’t simply something I do. It’s part of who I am.

My relationship with Elgin began long before I was elected to the City Council.

For approximately two decades, I served on my townhouse homeowners association board. Anyone who has ever served on an HOA board knows that may have been some of my earliest—and toughest—training in local government!

But it taught me something important:

The decisions that affect people’s everyday lives often happen closest to home.

Neighborhood safety. Property values. Infrastructure. Quality of life. Communication. Resolving disagreements between neighbors.

Those experiences helped shape the council member I would later become.

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A MOM RAISING A FAMILY IN ELGIN

Elgin is also where I raised my son.

He was born and raised here, attended U-46 public schools and is now attending college preparing for his own future.

Being a parent has given me another perspective on the decisions we make as a city.

When we talk about safe neighborhoods, affordability, parks, economic opportunity, environmental sustainability and quality public services, we’re ultimately talking about something bigger:

What kind of community are we leaving the next generation?

I want our young people to see a future for themselves in Elgin.

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EXPERIENCED LEADERSHIP

My professional career has also given me a unique perspective on municipal government.

I have spent much of my career working with local governments and the people responsible for delivering essential public services.

That experience has taught me to look beyond headlines and ask practical questions:

How will this work?

What will it cost?

How will it affect residents?

Is there a better way?

I bring that same approach to every decision I make on the City Council.

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WILLING TO SPEAK UP

Those who know me know that I haven’t always taken the easiest path.

I’ve spoken up when staying quiet would have been easier.

I’ve asked uncomfortable questions.

I’ve pushed for equity and inclusion.

I’ve advocated for transparency.

I’ve demanded accountability when residents felt their concerns weren’t being heard.

And I’ve challenged the status quo when I believed Elgin could do better.

That doesn’t mean I’ve always been right.

Leadership requires enough confidence to stand your ground—and enough humility to listen when someone shows you another way.

That’s the kind of council member I’ve tried to be.

And that’s the kind of council member I promise to continue being.

Past/Present Community Involvement 

I have enjoyed being actively involved in Elgin. In addition to serving on the Elgin City Council since 2011, some of my previous and current civic involvement activities include:

• City of Elgin Cultural Arts Commission – City Council Liaison
• Elgin Social Justice Collective
• Elgin Community Task Force on Policing – Ex -Officio Member
• Elgin COVID Response Fund – Steering Committee
• Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce Enhancing Elgin Committee – Member
• College Green Homeowners Association – Board Member & Past President
• City of Elgin Sustainable City Master Plan Committee- Recycling & Waste Management Workgroup Chairperson
• Youth Leadership Academy – Trainer
• U-46 School District Citizens Advisory Council- Representative
• City of Elgin Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  Holiday Committee 
• Progressive Baptist Church – Member  
• Elgin Proud & Beautiful – Board Member