Faculty/Staff Profile Title

In my undergraduate years, I studied civil engineering with the hope of becoming an engineer like my father. My fascination for how things worked and my desire to improve upon these things further incited me. However, as I was nearing the end of my studies, I found that my interests had shifted considerably. During those pivotal years of my life, I was heavily involved in extracurricular activities and community service projects as a means to satisfy the extrovert in me. But before I knew it, I had developed a passion for public service and a sobering awareness of the problems that plague society. Thus, with my bachelor’s degree in hand, what commenced was a double life. I was an engineer by day and an avid community volunteer by night and weekends.

Today, with an MPA in public management and finance, a PhD in public policy, specializing in community engagement and policy planning, and several years of constant exposure to the public service challenges in the U.S. and across the globe, my love for problem solving and my passion for public service lives on! I am a past president of the Conference of Minority Public Administrators (COMPA), a former member of ASPA’s National Council, and founder and owner ChiGlobal Consulting, which was birthed out of my deep passion for leveraging research and data to drive meaningful change.

Additionally, I have worked on community and economic development strategies for assisting low- and moderate-income people and communities (Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta); managed Georgia DOT’s $17 million in federal funding to improve bicycle and pedestrian accommodations for school-aged children across the state (Safe Routes to School program); and provided technical assistance to the CDC and other federal agencies toward more effective and efficient public health programs. I have worked for national and international nonprofits and sorely understand some of the administrative, financial and political challenges that nonprofits generally encounter. Yet and still, my work as a public servant continues, because with great knowledge comes great responsibility.

My public service activities extend into my current research, as my projects are related to urban planning, civic participation, community development, and public health. My overall research agenda focuses on improving local governance and enhancing the quality of life for distressed populations, both domestically and abroad, and I have presented my work at various conferences in North America, Africa and Asia.

Early in my young adulthood, I was exposed to the challenges and obstacles of the public servant. Coupled with my formal education in public management and policy, these experiences caused me to reexamine my goals and redirect my path. So, while my mind may be wired like that of an engineer, I have the heart of a public servant.

I love teaching, and I typically teach statistics, research methods, urban policy and management, and community development. I enjoy eating, running, bicycling, swimming, tennis, rock-climbing and just about anything that gets me outdoors, but spending time with my family and friends is paramount.