1. What have you found most challenging as a leader of a small or medium enterprise?

My challenges are getting the funding to do the work that is needed in our community, and ensuring that we can continue to function on such a small budget.

2. How did you become a leader of an SME? Can you please briefly tell the story?

I became the leader of my organization because I realized that the community engagement that I had already been doing, needed to be under the structure of a nonprofit, so that the impact could go further than being under a school district that didn’t have decent leadership.

3. How do you structure your work days from waking up to going to sleep?

I structure my work days by attempting to have one or two days to complete organizational paperwork, while the other days are spent working with youth in various capacities, such as Service Learning Projects.

4. What's the most recent significant leadership lesson you've learned?

I have learned recently that the public sometimes throws funding at activities that are popular, but not truly impactful.

5. What's one book that has had a profound impact on your leadership so far? Can you please briefly tell the story of how that book impacted your leadership?

“A Voice From the South” by Anna Julia Cooper is the book that had a profound impact on my leadership, because it exemplified the depth of purpose and duty to serve my people and my community.

6. How do you build leadership capacity in an SME?

I try to guide my volunteers toward the purpose and impact of our work, so that it is meaningful.

7. What is one meaningful story that comes to mind from your time as a leader of an SME so far?

My meaningful story as a leader of a SME is that I have to always stay positive and focus on the mission. This work is so important and meaningful for the youth.