What is your current title, company, and primary job function?
Case Manager I at Colorado Coalition for the Homeless. This is a new role for me and a very different field as I come from years of property management in affordable housing. As the Case Manager in Vocational Services (employment services basically) I assist individuals with their employment needs be they housed or unhoused employed or unemployed. My job is to provide the services need to establish themselves, succeed, or elevate to their next level. I’ve found that I enjoy this most it’s the direct interaction with people that feeds my soul. I assist with everything from resume and cover letter writing, mock interviewing, training regarding the job interview, communicating how to respond, work life balance, sexual harassment and more. This is done in person over two days participants have the optional third day of credit/budgeting awareness. Honestly I never knew I possessed the skills to do all these things. I also am a part time Customer Service Lead with United Airlines a role I have been in for about three years. In this role we’ll it’s the airline we assist customers with their travel needs. It is my job to anticipate customer needs, assist the Gate Agents with their flights if needed and put out any fires per day. I’d like to get involved with Equity Diversity and Inclusion at both jobs to learn exactly how things are being implemented to ensure it isn’t just a buzz word.
What’s a fun fact about you?
I’m very creative, administratively strong, can’t dance at all I think I lose the beat while clapping (lol). Can be a bit brash at times, I had a stroke, and I love my community and family -keeping in mind that family doesn’t solely consist of blood! With that being said it was brought to my attention by my cousin/sister/bff (same person) that I have always had a heart for community it seems that’s why I gravitate to the types of fields I do in relation to work.
Lately, it seems I have developed a passion for politics and am seriously trying to figure out how to get involved or more involved as it stands I am anticipating a start with a run at the RTD Board! I’m an excellent cook, can’t seem to keep a car but will walk miles to handle my business (been known to do it). Sometimes, I need reassurance on things I know whole heartedly I can accomplish, and I can’t swim.
What attracted you to the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado?
I straddled the fence in applying for the program for a few years. My cousin/sister/friend and I talked about it but I somehow didn’t think I was good enough or would be a good fit. At the same time I was developing this great desire to be a part of something greater than myself. I would think “how can I do this where should I start” I began to lose interest in things that I considered weren’t causing change.
Over those years I watched the program and the people in it and what they where doing for the community and themselves. ULFC was doing and standing for everything I desired at the time and as it stands and decided why not me. This organization is greater than one’s self and they have the desire to go back and bring someone with them. I anticipate my reach back daily. My next level and those it will can and should affect is attached to this program I know I will develop into the best version of myself utilizing tools learned here.
How do you want to be remembered?
FREE… I’d like to be remembered as a person who did it afraid, who would do it alone if need be. One who loved life, pushed the envelope demanded answers, wore “pool party” blue lipstick at times, showed up unexpectedly, open, loving, vulnerable, strong, confident.
I’d like to wake up different everyday no boundaries of societal bondage, God fearing, graceful. Free to live life on purpose in purpose… Just free to be me and that can only be defined by me!
The unexpected underdog who came out of nowhere and made an impact in the community😊
What is your greatest takeaway from the ULFConnect program so far?
It is important to be present. It seems such a small statement but in reality it carries volume. Being present is KNOWING (having knowledge) we as a people need to know what is going on in our homes, schools, neighborhoods, communities and states. One should never take for granted or lightly the things (policy) that affects them directly and ultimately can affect their children. My eyes have been opened to many things that have been directly in front of me for years I just couldn’t see them. How important it is to be with your word, be of service and STAND FOR SOMETHING.
Anything else you would like to share?
Morning Mantra:
I will hear the voice of the Holy Spirit within,
I will lead and not follow I will create and not destroy
I am a force for good I defy the odds I set new standards
I am a leader I am the head and not the tail, I am above and not beneath.
I am the lender and not the borrower
I am loved by God I am I am chosen by God I am protected by God
No weapon formed against me shall prosper, no weapon formed against me shall prosper and every tongue that rises against me in judgement shall be condemned.
I am a champion I will win
It’s my season (x3) it’s my turn m
I’m healthy I’m happy, I’m humble, I’m wealthy I’m strong
I am a champion I will never be broke another day in my life (x3)
And I will live the fullness of life and all god has for me
I am a champion I will win(x2)
It’s my season it’s my turn (x2)
I’m healthy I’m happy, I’m humble, I’m wealthy I’m strong
I am in a constant state of attracting all the good that I deserve that (x2)
I am a champion I will win
no weapon formed against me shall prosper(x2) and every tongue that rises up against me in judgement shall be condemned …..
And I will live the fullness of life and all God has for me!
