My History and my Traditions
I grew up in New Orleans housing projects and ghettos, amidst daily struggles with poverty and intense racial and societal tensions. My mom worked tirelessly to make ends meet and slowly improved the lives of her five children. Three of us were lucky enough to attend a Catholic elementary school run by a religious order of African American sisters in the South. Even as the first caucasian students in the school's 75 year history, we were welcomed and treated fairly. That experience gave me the foundation for my lifelong relationship with the Church and for my lifelong commitment to helping friends and neighbors.
I have a lifelong commitment to progressive ideals. It's a multigenerational commitment in my family and I am happy to uphold the tradition.
I moved to Fort Bragg in 1986 with my partner. I worked in several restaurants and bought a sports apparel and trophy store called Teamwork in 1989. In 1994 we successfully applied for and received an SBA loan from the Savings Bank and opened the Fort Bragg Grille. Two years later we opened another t-shirt shop. As someone who has owned 3 businesses at once, I am well aware of the challenges and pressures that face business owners on the coast.
For 10 years I've chaired the Catholic Church BBQ & Fiesta, organizing and cooking fundraiser dinners for the Fort Bragg High School choir. I am the Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. In this role, I demonstrate fairness, prayerful deliberation and leadership for our 500 families in the Parish.
I have a lifelong commitment to progressive ideals. It's a multigenerational commitment in my family and I am happy to uphold the tradition.
I moved to Fort Bragg in 1986 with my partner. I worked in several restaurants and bought a sports apparel and trophy store called Teamwork in 1989. In 1994 we successfully applied for and received an SBA loan from the Savings Bank and opened the Fort Bragg Grille. Two years later we opened another t-shirt shop. As someone who has owned 3 businesses at once, I am well aware of the challenges and pressures that face business owners on the coast.
For 10 years I've chaired the Catholic Church BBQ & Fiesta, organizing and cooking fundraiser dinners for the Fort Bragg High School choir. I am the Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) at Our Lady of Good Counsel Catholic Church. In this role, I demonstrate fairness, prayerful deliberation and leadership for our 500 families in the Parish.
