Those were the words a new parent leader said to me during her first parent leadership retreat.

She barely knew me.

As we boarded the bus for the week-long trip, she looked at me and said, "If you're here, I know everything will be alright."

I have carried those words with me ever since.

They were more than a compliment. They reflected the kind of leader I have always hoped to be—someone who brings calm to uncertainty, creates spaces where people feel supported, and helps others feel confident in their ability to lead.

Whether I am working with organizations, advocating for young people, partnering with families, or writing books, that is the standard I strive to live up to.

Because at the heart of everything I do is a simple belief: when people are equipped with the right tools, encouragement, and support, they can grow into who they are meant to become.

My Story

I was raised in a Southern Black American family of educators, military service members, business owners, and college graduates who believed deeply in the importance of sound character, education, service, and personal responsibility.

Respect was not something reserved for special occasions. It was reflected in how we spoke to others, how we carried ourselves, and how we showed up for our communities. Those lessons became the foundation for my leadership philosophy, my parenting, and eventually, my writing.

A Journey of Growth and Leadership

After earning my Master of Public Health (MPH) and landing my day job, I still needed a way to make a little extra money. That need led me to a part-time role as Director of Education for a youth development organization, where I taught etiquette, communication skills, leadership, personal presentation, and modeling skills to young people ages 7 through 18.

What began as a welcome escape from my day job became one of the most formative experiences of my career. It taught me that etiquette is not simply about knowing which fork to use. At its best, it is a pathway to confidence, self-respect, and consideration for others. It helps young people understand that how they show up in the world matters.

From there, my journey into executive leadership was not a straight line. Like many professionals, my path included unexpected turns, opportunities, setbacks, and seasons of growth. There were pitstops, pivots, and zigzags that challenged me, strengthened me, and taught me lessons I could not have learned any other way. Each experience became part of my preparation.

Over time, I developed the skills, perspective, and resilience needed to step into senior and executive leadership roles across the nonprofit, public, and community development sectors. In those roles, I have helped organizations strengthen operations, navigate transitions, and expand access and opportunities for the communities they served.

But my journey has also reinforced something I believe deeply: leadership is not defined only by a title. It is built through character, responsibility, relationships, adaptability, and the willingness to continue learning and growing.

Why I Write

Outside of my professional work, I have remained deeply committed to children and families through my role as a parent leader and community advocate.

Those experiences have reminded me that young people need more than academic achievement. They need confidence. They need empowerment.They need emotional intelligence. They need resilience. They need the tools to navigate a complex world while remaining grounded in who they are.

That belief inspired my writing.

My first book, I Love My Bantu Knots: An Astonishing Ayo Book, was inspired by my daughter and celebrates self-love, cultural pride, and the beauty of uniqueness.

My second book, Urban Grace: Beyond Manners for Today's Youth, draws on my combined years of youth empowerment, leadership, and lived experiences. It aims to show young people that etiquette goes beyond manners—it is about becoming a person who leads with good character, confidence, respect, and grace.

My books explore different topics, they share the same mission: helping children and young people discover their worth, embrace their identity, and develop the character to make a positive impact.

Astonishing Thoughts and Things LLC

Through Astonishing Thoughts and Things LLC, I continue that mission by creating books, educational resources, and workshops designed to help children, families, schools, and youth-serving organizations build confidence, character, and leadership skills.

From stories that celebrate identity and self-love to resources that teach practical life skills, my goal is to create tools that meet young people where they are while encouraging them to grow into who they are destined to be.

Living in urban New York City with my family, I continue to be inspired by the next generation. I am grateful for every opportunity to help young people—and the adults who guide them—grow with confidence, character, and grace.

Let's Build the Next Generation Together

Whether you are a parent, educator, school leader, nonprofit organization, or community partner, I invite you to explore my books, learn about my forthcoming workshops, and connect with me about opportunities to help young people develop the confidence and character they need to thrive.

Together, we can help the next generation lead with purpose, compassion, and grace.