Uncrowned Community Builders

After earning a Master's Degree in Exceptional Education and Certification as a School District Administrator, I served the Buffalo, N.Y., Public School District as a Teacher, School Administrator, Supervisor and Director of Human Resources. I also held the position of Associate in Program Development and Training with the New York State Education Department.

In addition to a diverse career, I spent many rewarding years giving back to my community as a volunteer. Some of my experiences include: Court Certification in Mediation and Arbitration resulting in conflict resolution with the Better Business Bureau of Western New York; ABC Action News, Call for Action, Tampa, Fla.; the Florida Prostate Cancer Network; the Tampa Bay Black Heritage Festival; and the Hurricane Katrina Relocation Project, City of Tampa.

In 1997, I retired, left the snow behind in Buffalo and moved to Florida. Since living in Florida, I have taught English as a Second Language (part-time). Trying my hand at entrepreneurship, I owned a consignment/gift shop. I've strengthened family ties and made new friends; most of my old friends in Buffalo have come to visit me in Florida (November to May).

I suffered a cerebrovascular accident on December 8, 2005. The cerebrovascular accident was followed very closely (January 17, 2006) with a diagnosis of stage three breast cancer. Overnight, my physical and emotional well being became the province of the medical professionals at H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center. I am convinced that this was my good fortune. I owe my recovery from cancer to prayers, family, friends and H. Lee Moffitt Cancer Center.