Philanthropy & Service
Philanthropy and service is the rent we pay for living here on earth. I believe in giving back and being apart of the community. I do that best by contributing, listening and helping to address systemic challenges. No matter where I have lived, I have served and worked in schools, classrooms, farms, prisons, community centers to bring in light and share a new perspective. From education to music, tutoring to technology, there is a huge opportunity not only for individuals but companies, corporations and elected officials to achieve more by giving back and having a real corporate social responsibility strategy.
I am also proud to serve on several national boards and community boards including Washington Performing Arts Jr. Board and as a Trustee & Vice-President of The Frederick Douglass Memorial & Historical Association (FDMHA). FDMHA hosts an annual scholarship program, Violins for Douglass - which grants out thousands of dollars in scholarships for area youth to pursue music lessons studying the violin, Douglass’ instruments of choice. I currently serve as a Board Director of the National Guild for Community & Arts Education.
Board & Community Service
I am committed to giving back through board service and volunteer leadership that supports the arts, education, and philanthropic initiatives in the community. By sharing my professional expertise and helping guide mission-driven organizations, board members can play an important role in expanding access to opportunities and strengthening programs for young people and families. This kind of service reflects my broader commitment to investing time, resources, and leadership in efforts that uplift the next generation and build stronger communities through the power of the arts and community.
DC Strings Workshop, Inc.
In 2017, I founded DC Strings Workshop, a non-profit 501(c)(3) arts organization committed to bringing music to all parts of the region, particularly underserved areas. The organization hosts an orchestra, THE ACCORD SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA which has performed throughout the region including THE KENNEDY CENTER, National Portrait Gallery, and numerous houses of worship, universities and schools in the DMV. The organization and its ensembles have recently in Season 8 been presented at the Embassies of Spain, Great Britain, and France.
Since its founding, DC Strings Workshop has paid over $3,000,000 to local artists, musicians, instrument and lesson scholarships for deserving youth and educators.
