Q: Your job title sounds exciting. What exactly does it mean
to be the Special Assistant to the Mayor?
A: I am responsible for managing the Mayor's
life. I handle all scheduling requests and other personal matters
pertaining to the Mayor. I handle a variety of other issues pertaining
the mayor as directed by her.
Q: It sounds like you are the mayor's "Right-Hand Woman".
Would that be accurate?
A: Yes, i would say that!
Q: What was your Experience at Hampton like?
A: Great! I came from a private High School
that was all white. I was one of only 10 black students. Socially,
I had a wonderful experience. I joined Delta Sigma Theta and other
community service organizations. Hampton was my first experience
in a mostly African-American environment. Almost everyone got
along. I was so impressed by my conversations with other students
regarding the uplifting Africa and notions on giving back to society.
Q: Why Did you choose Hampton?
A: My father was the Director for Southern
Education. I thought I wanted to go to Howard but my Dad really
knew what was best for his daughter and he urged me to check out
Hampton so I agreed to see it. I also had two cousins that attended
Hampton - Rita Roach (class of 1982), and Karen Roach (class of
1988). They were instrumental in my decision to visit Hampton.
Due to my familial influences and the reputation of Hampton I
chose this school because I knew that I would get an education
for life. One that stretched far past the day of commencement
and extended further than the ink conferred on the degree. What
I wanted and ultimately achieved were the tools necessary to go
out and conquer life. Hampton, steeped in rich tradition and known
for its excellence, prepared me to respect myself, respect my
people and respect the challenges that life offers. It is in those
challenges where character is built, on which is also the foundation
of being a Hamptonian.
Q: What Extracurricular Activities did you participate in at
Hampton?
A: Student Government Association and Delta
Sigma Theta Sorority Inc.
Q: What Extracurricular Activities do you currently participate
in?
A: Hands on Atlanta a Non- Profit Organization
that caters to various community needs. Delta Sigma Theta. Fundraising
for Mayor Shirley Franklin - The first Black Female Mayor in the
Southeast.
Q: How do you feel Attending an HBCU as opposed to a majority-white
institution, affected your career path and your life?
A: I feel I was more prepared to deal with
the outside world when I came out of college because I had such
a strong sense of self worth. I knew who I was and what my priorities
were for my people and myself. Hampton taught me that there is
nothing I can’t accomplish - I can conquer the world! Also,
the reputation of Hampton is very positive. Employers respected
me more as a potential candidate when they saw it on my resume.
Q: What do you think about the situation with Morris Brown and
how do you think it will affect the city of Atlanta long term?
A: I think the problem is that Black Colleges
and Universities have a tendency to run schools like a family
owned business instead of like a corporation. A college is an
institution and must be run that way. Presidents should be business
minded and equally those that sit on the boards of these colleges
should be business minded. They should allow a President to do
his job. Morris Brown has a rich and long history. We need schools
like this because some of us can’t get into college anywhere
else. There is so much lost opportunity with the closing of this
school to the city of Atlanta, and to the country as a whole.
