What motivated you to take on this leadership role?
My Chicago Trojan experience has been incredibly rewarding — from attending events to volunteering for our Alumni Day of SCervice. Seeing Trojans from different eras, including those who travel in from out of town, come together in fellowship has helped me feel more at home in this city and inspired me to take on this leadership role. Through my time as a member of the USC Black Alumni Council, I’ve learned how to balance the needs of our local alumni community with the expectations of USC.
I know that our amazing alumni, our caring and dedicated USC staff, and the vibrant City of Chicago create the perfect foundation for lifelong, worldwide connections. I’m excited to do my part to help make that happen.
What are you most looking forward to as Co-Chair?
There are so many things I’m excited about. First, I get to serve alongside Greg as co-chair. I met him here in Chicago at a few alumni events, and every interaction was the same — he was friendly, warm, and passionate about being a Chicago Trojan. His enthusiasm and commitment are genuinely inspiring, and honestly, that’s exactly the kind of energy that keeps me focused and motivated.
I’m also excited to develop a holistic Trojan experience — one that honors the different stages and needs of our alumni community. Chicago Trojans have already built a strong foundation with game watches, happy hours, learning and networking events and volunteer opportunities. I know we’re ready to level up our engagement by creating experiences that strategically speak to the diverse needs of our Trojan Family.
Imagine a Trojan Family Day designed for alumni with children or loved ones they care for. Or professional groups that bring together Trojans in specific fields like marketing, law or education. (Fun fact: I teach at Northwestern University, and my department chair is a Trojan!) And how fun would it be to host meet-ups for Trojans with dogs? I have the cutest Boston Terrier — with his own USC jersey — so I’m absolutely ready for that one.
There are so many possibilities, and the best part is that we have alumni in the area who are eager and willing to make them happen. Now that is (cardinal and) gold!
What’s something about you that others might not know?
I studied fine arts, and while I ultimately chose not to pursue a career as an artist, I still enjoy painting and finding ways to stay creative. I’m also a bit of a “sneakerhead” and have a decent collection of Air Jordans. I love to bake, especially flan and almond flour carrot cake (from scratch—yes, I grate the carrots myself!). As a child of the ’80s and ’90s, I’m a huge Transformers fan and am actively building my collection. I’m a die-hard Bulls fan — and have been since the Jordan era — and I still make it to almost every game as a season ticket holder. And in addition to all of that, I serve as president of the North Cook County Chapter of Phi Beta Sigma Fraternity, Inc.
What does USC mean to you, and what do you hope to achieve as network co-chair?
Attending USC was the best decision I made in my young adult life. It forced me to face the world on my own for the first time. I made great friends along the way, and it shaped me into the person I am today. I can honestly say that I truly feel I am a part of the Trojan Family. I hope to establish a blueprint for future Chicago Alumni Network leadership to foster the spirit of the Trojan Family here in the Chicagoland area.