“Introducing the youth to something new. Teaching them about things they didn’t even think about doing and inspiring them to think outside the box.” Just like I have always told my son, ‘there is no limit to what you can do, even you must yield to purpose.’

Having leadership that embraces my uniqueness and zeal for all things youth help fuel my passion. The leadership here at JDF, from Melissa Fernandez to Mack McGhee and my Director, Tamika Lofton, allow me to come up with ideas and then let me run with them.” 

“When I first started out in JJ, I was looking forward to making a positive change and impact on the lives of the youth in my care. That has not changed, however my approach to it has been revived. I hit the ground running every day and now realize that JJ reform takes out of the box thinking and letting go of tools that no longer work. Coming into a new situation, I came to realize that there was still work to be done before being able to see the changes set in motion.”

“Being able to expand our youths’ minds. Piquing their curiosity. Alerting them to new experiences. Things like journalism, as I’d like to get them into writing, thinking, talking, and advocating for themselves. Take for instance our Barber shop concept. It will be a place where they can relax, read/check out a good book or magazine, sip a latte and learn about something new. We know that barber and beauty shops are old school group therapy sessions.”

“I’ll start with Keisha Isaacs. I love her to death. One thing I’ll always remember is that no matter how high you get in your profession, don’t forget that you can still do things that others would consider ‘beneath them’. Plus, her energy and zeal for life are amazing. It makes it easier to do things that way.

Leonard Dixon also. He’s knowledgeable in so many different areas, as he’s an avid reader. He preaches not settling for what you know and to continually strive to keep learning.”

“Yes, I do. I like to do middle management training. I think it’s so valuable that when you lead you also have to follow, and vice versa. You want them to be leaders themselves, so you teach and guide them in the right way and learn how interactions can affect the actions of the workplace.

We’re all followers of something no matter where you fall on the organizational chart. The way you lead and are lead reflects highly on the values and mission of the organization. If you are in line with positive culture, it will show and if there is more work to do, that will show as well. We must keep in mind that we work with people that provide a service to other people and the approach we take in leadership is crucial as leadership isn’t a position it’s a way of being.”

“(Laughs) I’ll say coming here to Wayne County JDC, where I first observed a lot of things with the kids. I would like to note that the youth are the same regardless of location. Understanding the needs as well as blending them with vision for a new experience for detained youth was my goal. Once I did that, we started creating programs. The kids love them. When the youth notice the increase and direction of programs and are excited, I know we have made a difference.”

“Give yourself a little grace. And we’re all in this together. We sometimes try to operate like we’re all on our own but in juvenile justice, I tell kids and staff that you’re not alone. You have support all around you.”

“I would change youth access to programs. Oftentimes they are charged with offenses that have a major impact on their lives because of the lack of resources. But what resources are currently in their community to help them to avoid making the wrong choices out of desperation?  

With services, we’d have organizations to provide references to kids so that we could connect them with the right people and places. I’d also like to do early intervention with youth that have siblings and parents that have/or are justice involved. Early intervention would be beneficial to provide services to help them avoid following in the footsteps of their older siblings. I’d like some type of early access training/resources we can link them to that are both present and future orientated.”

“I’m always at work (laughs). I’m a mom and leader in the ministry. I enjoy nature, traveling, reading, relaxing, and all seasons. I enjoy waking up every day and being in position to do something positive for myself and others…it’s about letting my light shine.”