Tell us your story - Where do you work and what do you do?
I am the rankings and marketing coordinator at Taft Law in Chicago, responsible for managing the firm’s rankings and awards submissions and nominations, and awards specific to a geography, industry, or practice group. In addition, I work with our business development team to track outcomes from our proposals on a weekly, monthly, and annual basis and coordinate other aspects. I have been in the legal marketing industry for about four years.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
I’ve always felt a sense of pride and community when thinking about Black history. This month is a time to reflect on what we’ve been through and how far we have to go. Not just in February but throughout the year, it is extremely important to me to honor the generations that have come before me and recognize the resiliency of the Black community to provide a better life for us all. It means to continue to research and educate ourselves on our past while celebrating our achievements.
How are you planning on celebrating the month?
At the beginning of the year, I set a goal to read more regularly again. I have been spending the month reading books by Black authors. I just finished Last Summer on State Street, a historical fiction novel by Toya Wolfe. The book centers around the friendship and families of four girls living in Chicago’s Robert Taylor Homes in 1999.
What is your favorite cultural tradition?
I enjoy spending the holidays with my extended family. Every year, we all get together for our annual Christmas party, sharing comfort food and stories from our childhood. It’s the best tradition that we’ve kept up with since I was a little girl.
If you could go back and speak to your younger self, what would you say?
Keep going, even when things seem challenging or impossible. There will be many times when you think it would be easier to quit, but the lessons learned at the end are so much more important than you realize.
What are your hobbies?
I enjoy spending time with my friends, playing volleyball twice a week, reading, and trying new restaurants. I’m biased, but Chicago has the best restaurants in the country! It’s hard to pick my favorite, but it has to be Boka in Lincoln Park.
What travel spot is on your bucket list?
I would like to visit Toronto. I haven’t been out of the country in a while and would love to see the city. I have a few other big cities on my list, but I’d like to visit sometime soon.
What's your favorite dessert?
My mom’s peach cobbler. When my sister and I are home to visit, she enjoys making it for us. It’s typically gone within the next couple of days!
Pick one word to describe your "why." What motivates you in your career and personal life?
Growth. Challenging and developing yourself to reach your full potential. Taking the necessary steps of self-improvement to be a better colleague and friend. It also means seeing every opportunity as a valuable learning experience.
How has LMA helped you accomplish your career goals?
LMA has had a significant impact on my career. I’ve had the opportunity to attend various educational programs and networking events, and, more recently, the LMA Midwest Regional Conference in Chicago. The community has provided me with invaluable skills to succeed in my career.