Hometown: Little Rock
Briefly describe your role(s): I'm the Executive Editor of Noir Magazine which is a new publication that has hit the markets and I’m so super excited. Noir is a general interest magazine for African Americans in Arkansas to just highlight all the wonderful things that African Americans are doing in the state.
Other than the magazine, I also do communications consulting. I am tasked with strategic communications plans and I manage crisis communications. I develop and craft the client’s messaging then make sure the messaging is consistent. And because I'm a writer, I do a lot of writing.
Q: What motivates you to achieve success in your career?
A: I’m deeply rooted in my need to serve. I have a certain skill set that I probably can lend to probably any industry. But ultimately, if I'm not able to serve people, I won't last. That's really who I am.
Q: What led you to your career path?
A: Years ago, I was involved with a publication called PowerPlay. And that was my first foray into the publishing world. And that opportunity opened up so many other opportunities for me. I didn't know I could be an editor until I actually did it.
Q: What has been a defining moment in your career?
A: In August 2021 I made the leap and committed to working as a contractor. I figured I could probably float myself until the end of the year with the contracts I had and here I am, still floating myself. I didn't think that I would be here for three years but what has happened since 2021 has been really, really cool.
Q: What advice do you have for women in your field?
A: You have to remind yourself who you are. You gotta believe that there is a skill that you offer. Something that you offer that nobody can do like you. It's that crazy confidence, along with determination. That has got me where I am, so women have got to tune out the noise, tune out what a lot of the media likes to portray us as. You have to center yourself and know exactly who you are and your value proposition. There's something that we were created to do. And you gotta know what that is. Then you have to nurture that and bring that to the marketplace. But ultimately, definitely be authentically you—always.