Reflections: Women who Inspire Me

As we turn the page on Black History Month and embark on Women’s History Month, I am taking time to reflect on my role as leader of our nation’s first Community Development Corporation.? I know I wouldn’t be here without the sisterhood that tethers us together over countless one-on-ones, gut-busting laughs, reality checks, and showing up for each other in both good times and bad.? I think about the lessons, prayers and wisdom that women have poured into me during my journey from a practicing attorney in the private sector and NYC government to banking and the nonprofit sector.?

Mama, I made it!

I think of my mother and applaud her sheroism that gave her the courage to venture into this country alone–a pregnant divorcée armed with grit and determination as a Jamaican immigrant, who had that Obama type of hope in search of a better life and opportunity for herself and her children.? I was also blessed with a bonus mother who took me in, raised me as her own child and taught me the power of forgiveness, grace and how to love unconditionally.? These women were the wind beneath my wings that guided me through high school leading me to ultimately become a first-generation college graduate (‘90 Columbia University) and attorney (‘93 Hofstra Law) and buoyed my life’s ambition.?

Scales of Justice

My first job as an 1L summer associate at Milbank Tweed is where I met Paticia Irvin, a black woman partner of the firm who was part of the 1% of Black women law partners in US firms and the same is true of judge Milagros Matos, the first Afro-Latina partner at Wilson Elser, who also is a member of the 1% of Latina women partners in this country.? Both women I came to admire at a critical juncture in the early part of my career because I saw myself reflected in their accomplishments that defied gender stereotypes, broke racial barriers, broke through the “glass ceiling” and gave me the fortitude to believe in myself.?? Throughout my legal career other kinships formed with colleagues Raymi Ramsuer-Usher, Gail Job and Camille Allen, who with me, made up a quartet of black women who supported one another while working at a male dominated firm that specialized in tort litigation.? And if you know anything about torts, you might understand why having a “tribe” is necessary.

NYC Government and Banking

I exited the law firm and entered City Government at the NYC department of housing, preservation and development as deputy director and counsel reporting to Alicia Glen, whom I regard as a dynamic woman of power.? Working with her taught me that I could be authentic and intellectually aggressive.? At HPD, I met Tonya Mackie, who would become my lifelong friend and sister and who taught me how to be a working single mom and provide stability for your family.?? After City government, I became very interested in furthering my career in economic development and I began my corporate career at Bank of America and spent 7 years in the community lending division before taking a senior role as Chief Lending Officer at Carver Federal Savings Bank, where I worked for Deborah C. Wright (Debbie), then president and chief executive officer.? Debbie had a most profound impact on my personal and professional life. My forever oracle who showed me how to be a strategic leader, navigate obstacles while maintaining diplomacy and the importance of embracing difficult conversations.? I witnessed how to exude grace under fire while she reengineered the bank's strategy out of crisis to sustainability.

After 18 years as a banker in commercial lending, I made the switch to nonprofit as Chief Operating Officer at Greater Jamaica Development Corporation, under then president and chief executive officer, Hope Knight, now NYS Commissioner on Economic Development.? Hope could lead a master class on building relationships with the utmost emotional intelligence while balancing social and political networks.? And I am grateful to have worked for her.

I have been blessed to have grown up with, beside, watched, admired and learned from my friend and sister,? NYC First Deputy Mayor Sheena Wright, who I have known since college and continue to bask in her shine and appreciate her bold brilliance and her determination to make her community and now New York City better.

Say their Names

On March 21, 2023, I attended the National Medal of Arts ceremony at the White House to accept the award from President Biden and VP Harris on behalf of Restoration.? And, in the process, I had the honor of meeting the incomparable Dr. Johnetta Betsch Cole, who was among the honorees, arts patrons and attendees that week.? During our conversation, I mentioned that although I was there to accept the award, there were others who made it happen that could not be there and she said, “You must say their names”.

I want to shout out all the amazing women in my circle.?These women are chiefs of diversity; staff; marketing; finance; real estate; talent management; board directors; caregivers, mothers, wives, and sisters who are holding it down every single day.? But, most importantly they continue to lead with unwavering zeal and dedication to their crafts and at the same time support me effortlessly and cover me daily.

Margaret Anadu, Diane Borradaile, Bernell Grier, and Shona Pinnock (my sister, whose advice I rely on heavily): thank you for your inspiration and guidance. Fellow nonprofit sister CEOs Aisha Benson, Diahann Billings-Burford, Gina Duncan, Amma Felix, Lindsay Greene, La’Shawn Allen-Muhammad, Jocelynne Rainey, Valerie White, Francilia Wilkins and Barika Williams: thank you for filling my cup when needed. Restoration’s Powerful Women Board Directors Marisha Clinton, Erika Irish-Brown, Depelsha McGruder, Binta Vann, and Toni Yuille Williams: thank you for your counsel and your cover. ?My senior team of amazing women leaders at Restoration Renée Jenkins, Rachel Joseph, Shadawn S. Smith, Takisia Whites, and élana Beltram: thank you for your commitment to the mission of Restoration.? Special thanks to Doris, Sarah, and Jamelia: thank you for your selfless care and for supporting our efforts to impact positive change on the community development landscape.

As I reflect on the lessons I have learned from so many brilliant women, I also reflect on the lessons that I’ve imparted on emerging women leaders and those who wear the crown.? I salute you!