Collective Weekly

Over a decade ago, the East Durham Children’s Initiative began building a pipeline of support for children and families. I joined this effort in 2013 as a Community Ambassador contractor, knocking on doors throughout the 120 blocks of the neighborhood serving Y. E. Smith Elementary in East Durham. In 2014, I came on staff as the Outreach Coordinator, responsible for developing and implementing programs like the Healthy Mile Trail, Story Hour, STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Math) Saturdays, and many others. After being promoted to Community Engagement Manager in 2015, I managed outreach staff and the AmeriCorps VISTA program, developed out-of-school learning, health, and youth leadership programs, trained local family care providers as a TouchPoint Trainer, and supported East Durham families in organizing to protect their safety. My role shifted after being elected to the Durham City Council in 2017. I began supporting staff internally and externally, connecting the dots around resources, community engagement, and community outreach as the Special Assistant to the President. EDCI became Durham Children’s Initiative, growing to a county-wide organization supporting children and families across Durham. I am proud of the families we walk alongside and the work we do.