Tell us your story - Where do you work and what do you do?
Currently, I am the Associate Director of Global Client Pursuits at Baker McKenzie. Based in Chicago, I manage a talented and diverse team of pitch professionals in the Americas who are focused on driving client growth and value through targeted and bespoke solutioning. We lead some of the firm's largest, most complex and significant global client mandates and new business pursuits.
Outside of work, I am the proud mom of two daughters and a fur baby named Leo. I also belong to one of the world's largest predominately black sororities, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., an organization that, since 1913, continues to actively focus on public service, including areas such as social justice and economic and educational development.
What does Black History Month mean to you?
To me, Black History Month is about visibility, recognition and celebration. The month allows for a light to shine on the myriad of ways black Americans, throughout history, have innovated and contributed to modern society. Stories that often don't get told otherwise. Black History Month also helps to inspire, educate and motivate the next generation of trailblazers (regardless of their background), through stories of perseverance, brilliance and fortitude.
In addition, I believe Black History Month celebrates inclusion. The black experience in the U.S. is just as varied as it is vast. Throughout U.S. history, there are examples of black Americans playing a vital role in the advocacy of LGBTQ, transgender, human rights, political and equality issues, and more. Sharing stories of black people, in particular, from all walks of life and diverse experiences, allows for greater understanding and acceptance of one another's differences beyond just race.
How are you planning on celebrating the month?
As the month is coming to an end, I am glad to have been able to increase my support to black and minority owned businesses, listen to more black authors and artists and educate my daughters on notable black influencers from my generation as well as those before.
What is your favorite cultural tradition?
I am proud to say that, for the last 78 consecutive years, my family has held an annual family reunion during the first weekend of August. What began in 1946 as a way to celebrate the birthday of our oldest living matriarch in the family, has now turned into a lifelong tradition for me, my siblings, and my children. I have only missed two in my entire lifetime (one being due to the birth of my youngest daughter). While family reunions are very popular, very few families have such a longstanding and consecutive tradition in this regard.
If you could go back and speak to your younger self, what would you say?
I would probably tell myself then the things I am continuing to speak more into myself now...stay true to who you are and not the idea of who someone else thinks you should be. I'd also tell myself, to embrace my quirkiness because #nerdsarecool!
What are your hobbies?
I am a karaoke enthusiast...I try to find a karaoke spot whenever and wherever I travel. I also enjoy working out, hiking, meditation, self-care, volunteering and traveling with my family. In my spare time, I create, and sometimes lead, outdoor group fitness workouts for a women's collective in my area. My daughters sometimes join me as well.
What was the best vacation you've ever been on?
When I visited Australia and New Zealand with my family. We hiked the Blue Mountains, interacted with koalas and kangaroos at the zoo, went on the movie set of the Lord of the Rings and visited thermal hot springs, museums and landmarks. My daughters especially enjoyed the Haka performances as well.
What travel spot is on your bucket list?
I am looking forward to visiting Morocco, Hawaii and Greece.
What book are you currently reading?
You Are Your Best Thing by Tarana Burke and Brene Brown.
Who was your top artist on Spotify Wrapped last year?
Wow, good question...my usual playlist is all over the place so I'll give you a few of my top artists that were on frequent rotation in 2023: Chrisette Michele, Kendrick Lamar, Bruno Mars, Maroon 5, Maluma, The Killers and a bunch of EDM songs for workouts. I also have a Black History Month playlist on repeat that includes a mix of R&B, hip hop and old-school music.
What was your first live concert?
The Michael Jackson/Jackson 5 Victory tour when I was around 10 years old. My dad surprised me with tickets and I feel like I cried out of excitement the entire time.
What was the last live concert you attended?
Chrisette Michele. She performed at City Winery and was fantastic.
However, although not a concert, I did recently attend "Black by Popular Demand - A Black Excellence Revue" at The Second City in Chicago and highly recommend to anyone! It's funny, thoughtful and endearing. I attended with a dear friend of mine and we were given a chance to go up on stage. What we thought would be an invitation to participate in a funny sketch, turned out to be an opportunity to dote on another and share our appreciation for our friendship on stage. It was such a memorable experience!
What TV show are you currently streaming?
I am addicted to the Morning Show. I can't decide which character I love or hate the most!
If you could appear on any game show, which one would you choose?
Does the Masked Singer count?
Who would play you in a movie about your life?
Regina Hall. I love her sense of humor, her energy and her ability to adapt to any situation.
If you could trade places with a Marvel Super Hero (or villain!) for a day, who would it be?
I have to say Tony Stark/Iron Man. He's a genius, billionaire and philanthropist and has one of the most inventive superhero suits around.
Do you have any pets? If so, what's your favorite thing about them?
Yes, I have a 4-year-old pup named Leo. He's 9 pounds and doesn't shed, which is one of the best things about him for sure! Ha! But watching his excitement when riding in the car with the window down on a nice sunny day is one of my favorite things to see.
What did you have for breakfast this morning?
Avocado toast with a side of blueberries
Pick one word to describe your "why." What motivates you in your career and personal life?
It may sound cliche, but being able to provide for my family and demonstrate what hard work and dedication can lead to, is what drives me every day. I am raising two daughters, so it is especially meaningful to me to show them that there are no bounds to how far they can go.
I also have the honor of leading a phenomenal team as well as working some of the world's most talented and collegial attorneys, who lead by example both in terms of inspiration and creativity. Being a part of their continued success is both exciting and continually motivating.
Tell us something unique about your law firm or business.
One of the things I love most about Baker McKenzie is that they are a Firm that truly "walks the talk." The firm is committed to moving the needle on issues related to ID&E, pro bono efforts and sustainability, and has made demonstrable progress towards achieving its goals. I also highly appreciate the firm's intentional focus on driving innovation, whether for our clients or our employees, in everything we do as a firm.
How has LMA helped you accomplish your career goals?
LMA played a huge role in helping position me for the role I have now. Having participated on an LMA panel several years back, I spoke on my experience and background in pitching and opportunity assessments, in particular. At the time, I was able to network and connect with several legal marketers, including a few in leadership roles. Some time later, maybe a year or two, one of those connections remembered me from that panel and reached out to me to invite me to apply for a senior position at Baker McKenzie. Since this time, I have appreciated staying in contact with fellow legal marketers and learning about new and different ways their firms are tackling new trends and ever evolving client needs in the marketplace.
What's the best career advice that someone has ever given you?
I've been privileged to have a great professional network of friends, coaches, and mentors throughout my career. Among the many powerful and notable advice I've been given, I would say this is my favorite: Surround yourself with people who inspire, motivate and challenge you to be the very best of you. By following this advice, I believe it has helped me to become a more authentic leader and a better collaborator.