Tell us your story. (Your journey, your work, or what brought you to where you are today.)

My brother was mentally challenged. When I grew up, they would refer to him as r******d. Him being that way made me very empathetic toward those who were the underdogs and who had life challenges. Also, my father was an alcoholic, and I wanted to understand what made him that way. I focused my college studies on psychology because I wanted to understand human behavior. Even though my father was an alcoholic, he was also my best friend, and my life coach, so to speak. He would always have advice that in retrospect was spot on. I could go on and on, but the key takeaways are that I try to be empathetic at all times, and I became a coach primarily because my father was my coach, and I appreciated the life lessons he taught me.

Name a person, tradition, or community value from your past that guides how you give or serve today.

My mother and father were my guideposts. My mother would always say, “No matter the task, big or small, do it well or not at all.” My father would always review my grades in school, from elementary school through college, and he never wanted to see me bring home a C. With these influences, I always tried my best and strived for excellence in everything I did.

Sankofa teaches us to look back so we can move forward. If you could speak to your younger self or to future generations of Black gamechangers, what lesson or moment from your past would you share?

I would say that my parents expecting me to do my best at all times served as my foundation and my guiding principle. They would remind me that I had a roof over my head, clothes to wear, and food to eat. Therefore, I had no excuses. To them, there was nothing that was preventing me from achieving at a high level. Their approach was consistent and was, therefore, ingrained in how I approached life then and now.

The parable of the talents teaches us to grow and share what we’ve been given. How have you used your gifts — whether time, talent, or resources — to make an impact in your community?

Over the years, I’ve served on a number of nonprofit boards, mentored a number of individuals, and contributed financially to a number of organizations. My giving emphasis has been on my church, education, supporting those who are unhoused, supporting food banks, supporting services to justice involved individuals, and supporting organizations that support youth in their academic and leadership journeys.

How have you seen Black generosity and community investment show up in ways that might not always be recognized as philanthropy?

I look at what the 100 Black Men of Middle TN has been doing for years in supporting young black boys. There are volunteers who spend hundreds of hours per year serving as mentors. Most give financially, but most importantly, they give of themselves. They are truly making a monumental difference.

How do you define “being a Gamechanger” in collaborative efforts or philanthropy?

Being a Gamechanger is constantly identifying where community needs may be and individually or collaboratively working with others to address the need. Working collaboratively multiplies impact.

What wisdom or encouragement would you share with someone in Nashville who’s just beginning their journey here locally as a philanthropist or community leader?

Nashville has become a more welcoming community. I would suggest they reach out to the Community Foundation which has a great pulse on who’s doing what in Nashville. Their community tentacles run deep.

What are you curious about, excited to see unfold, and/or looking forward to initiating over the next year?

I’m excited about the next generation of leaders emerging in Nashville. They bring an energy to the city that will keep it vibrant for years to come. They are entrepreneurial and like to move fast and get things done. I love it!

Black Philanthropy Month: Sankofa Now!

The past holds the key to our future. As we navigate growing challenges, we must draw strength from those who came before us. For this year’s Black Philanthropy Month recognition, we must:

• Remember our philanthropic roots, built on collective care and community-driven investment. 
• Reclaim our power to shape the future, ensuring Black-led change is not just recognized but sustained.
• Rise by reinvesting in our people, our movements, and our solutions, because the future of Black philanthropy (and all humanity) depends on what we do today.

A thriving Black community benefits everyone. The fight for equity, opportunity, and justice strengthens our collective future, creating a world where all can prosper. Black philanthropy has always been a catalyst for change. In a time when progress is at risk, we need all hands on deck.