Here’s My Story

My story begins in Essex County.

I was raised between Newark’s West Ward with my father and East Orange with my mother. These are more than places on a map to me. They are the communities where I grew up, where my family built a life, and where I learned some of my earliest lessons about service, resilience, and the importance of showing up for others. 

Essex County shaped who I am long before I ever thought about running for office.

I learned early that government and public institutions have a real impact on people’s everyday lives. I also learned that communities are strongest when people are willing to step forward, take responsibility, and create opportunities for the next generation.

That belief became the foundation of my career.

I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Montclair State University and went on to graduate Summa Cum Laude from Rutgers University–Newark with a Master’s degree in Political Science. I studied government and public policy because I wanted to understand how decisions are made — and, more importantly, how those decisions can be used to improve people’s lives.

My professional journey began in Essex County government, where I gained firsthand experience seeing how local government decisions affect residents and neighborhoods.

At 23 years old, I became Chief of Staff to then-Assemblywoman Britnee Timberlake, becoming the youngest person to hold that position in the New Jersey Legislature. In that role, I worked behind the scenes on legislation and policy initiatives involving issues including driver’s licenses for undocumented residents, raising New Jersey’s minimum wage, cannabis decriminalization, and maternal health protections.

I later continued my work in state government, serving in the Governor’s Office and working on issues including criminal justice reform, affordable housing, economic development, and gun safety. I also worked with the New Jersey Amistad Commission, reinforcing my belief in the importance of ensuring that young people learn an honest and complete history of our country and the contributions of African Americans.

But my commitment to public service has never been limited to government buildings.

I have always believed that leadership means being present in the community. That belief led me to serve on the Essex County Redistricting Commission and in leadership within the New Jersey Democratic State Committee. It has also led me into our schools and neighborhoods.

In 2023, I was appointed to the East Orange Board of Education. I was later elected Vice President, giving me the opportunity to serve the community that I am proud to call home. In that role, I advocate for strong schools, student achievement, and opportunities for students and families.

My commitment to young people extends beyond the classroom. For more than a decade, I have served as a mentor through Big Brothers Big Sisters of Essex County. I believe every young person deserves someone who believes in their potential and helps them see what is possible.

Throughout my career, I have often found myself as the youngest person in the room. Instead of seeing that as a limitation, I saw it as an opportunity — an opportunity to listen, to learn, to contribute, and to make sure there was room at the table for others.

That is the kind of leader I strive to be.

I believe public service is our responsibility to one another. It means listening before acting. It means being willing to ask difficult questions. It means showing up when it matters, being accountable when things go wrong, and making sure the people most affected by a decision have a voice in making it.

Today, I’m running for Essex County Commissioner in District 3 because I believe the lessons I’ve learned throughout my life and career can be put to work for the communities that shaped me.

I’m not running because I want a title.

I’m running because Essex County is home.

It is where my story began, and I believe the next chapter should be about creating more opportunity, strengthening our communities, investing in our people, and making county government work better for everyone.

My story is still being written.

And I’m ready for the next chapter.