Current Location: Chicago, IL

Hometown: Dolton, IL

UIS Degrees: MPA 2013 (Public Administration), B.A. 2011 (Political Science & Legal Studies)

Current Position: Manager, Government Relations Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce

Career Highlights

“After graduating from UIS in 2013, I was selected as a Dunn Fellow with the Governor’s Office. Since then I’ve gone on to become a research associate for a think tank where I published reports on the fiscal conditions in Illinois; how the historic budget impasse impacted higher education institutions; and lobbied for a new K-12 education funding formula. Currently, I am the Manager of Government Relations for the Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce where I advocate on behalf of businesses to ensure that Illinois’ economy remains competitive and thriving. In 2014, I was nominated to “40 under 40” by the Springfield Business Journal and I was an IWIL fellow (Illinois Women Institute of Leadership) class of 2016.”

Memories of UIS

“My most memorable moment at UIS is when I was selected to travel to The Gambia to conduct a water quality test in local villages and work for GAMCOTRAP (Gambia Committee on Traditional Practices), a non-governmental organization fighting to eradicate FGM (Female Genital Mutilation) and other harmful traditional practices. Dr. Ford, Dr. GoldbergBelle, and Dr. Alamu were instrumental in making this trip possible through financial scholarships.”

How did UIS change or prepare you?

“The career fairs at UIS, resume workshops, and internships in my field prepared me for my career. My MPA classmates are now my accountability partners; they continue to push and motivate me to achieve new career goals for myself.”

Interesting Fact

“An interesting fact is I enjoy weightlifting. I share videos of myself working out on social media to help motivate and inspire others to start their fitness journey.”