Hello ladies and gentlemen!

I am here today to share my journey with you. The journey has not always been easy but by sticking to it, strength of community and hard work I met all challenges.

I was born in Ft. Lauderdale, Florida on November 11, 1989, Veteran’s Day, so I always got a day off school!!! I am blessed with a wonderful family. My parents, both EDUCATORS, share values of learning and growth from a young age.  My big brother is my hero. Together with the love and support from my grandmas and Uncle Tim, who are dearly missed, my foundation was built on solid ground.

My journey through EDUCATION began at age 3 at Tedder Elementary School where I was already preparing for my future, with the help of great teachers and new friends.  Along with my school I also received therapy to help my development.  From Tedder I went to Forest Glen Middle School and then to Coral Springs High School. GO COLTS! I got involved in new activities like chorus and basketball. 

My dad, a guidance counselor and head boys basketball coach was a big part of my high school.  He taught me the values of discipline and hard work, values that helped my roles in student government and Director of Basketball Operations for the varsity team.

After high school I continued with Special Olympics and used my education by getting a job as dining room host at Chick-Fil-A in Pompano Beach.  EAT MORE CHICKEN!

I learned the importance of service, community, and hard work. After 7 years on the job life brought change and a new series of challenges from my family’s move to Melbourne.  After our move Covid hit which limited my ability to make new friends or find a job.  It was a bit scary at first but everything slowly came together.

Special Olympics started up and I got involved and started making new friends. One of those friends is a young lady, named Remi, whose parents introduced me to a fitness class run by Steven Whiting and his daughter Candace. Through this class we met Victoria Timberlake who encouraged me to get involved in the Down Syndrome Association of Brevard.  DSAB has been like a second family to me. They’ve given me so many opportunities and support.  After applying and interviewing, I am the first DSAB self-advocate board member!!!! I love attending the monthly board meetings.  Along with that, the association offers Art club, Club DSAB social ware I meet with my friends and hang out.  I have taken part in the Buddy Walk for the past three years, which is always fun.

My employment was a bit more challenging. With my experience at Chick-Fil-A I was confident that I would get hired in Brevard.  I felt I had a good interview but was not hired. 

A year later I repeated this process and again no job. After getting a job coach I interviewed a third time and finally was hired.  YES!!!! I am glad I stuck to it and was rewarded by the job that I really wanted.

I encourage all business owners to please give us a chance.  There are many of my friends who would welcome the OPPORTUNITY to work. In my 8 plus years at Chick-Fil-A I have not missed a day of work and have never been late for my shift.  For anyone here feeling unsure about where they fit in or if they can make a difference, look at me!

I have gone from school to DSAB board meetings, from classes to sports and learned that believing in yourself and others is SUPER IMPORTANT! Having support of others and believing in yourself opens up so many opportunities.

DON’T BE AFRAID TO BELIEVE AND REACH OUT!

Let’s continue to support, inspire and uplift one another, today and every day!