Major: Ph.D. in Criminology
“As a proud alum of UT-Dallas, earning my Ph.D. in Criminology was not just a professional milestone but a deeply personal journey that shaped my career and purpose. My research focused on the intersections of criminal justice, education, and social institutions, igniting a passion for addressing systemic inequities and fostering meaningful change.
After graduation, I joined the University of Houston-Downtown, where I spent seven rewarding years teaching and mentoring students. During my time there, I successfully obtained tenure and served as the Assistant Department Chair. Helping undergraduate and graduate students navigate their career paths while fostering a deeper understanding of social justice remains one of the most fulfilling aspects of my professional journey.
Today, I channel my experience and passion into my role as Director with Empower Community Development Corporation, where I develop and support evidence-based programming to assist cost-burdened households. I’m particularly proud of transforming Project Canvas, an initiative focused on college access and readiness programs for underrepresented students. Additionally, I take pride in our partnership with the Houston Food Bank to establish a food pantry, which distributes approximately 2,000 pounds of food weekly to neighbors experiencing food insecurity.
My time at UTD not only equipped me with the tools to create change but also instilled a lifelong commitment to service, equity, and building opportunities for others to thrive. I’m honored to stay connected with the UTD community and share my journey in hopes of inspiring current and future students.”