Where Design, Leadership, and Purpose Converge

From the earliest stages of my career, I recognized the transformative power of thoughtful design and how it shapes experiences, influences behavior, and fosters success. What began in design studios has evolved through boardrooms, print shops, and spiritual settings, creating a professional path that uniquely blends creative design, strategic business leadership, and meaningful purpose.

Building Expertise in Creating Impactful Spaces

My journey began at Howard University, where I earned my Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design in 2001. I was naturally drawn to commercial spaces, offices, restaurants, and retail environments, and fascinated by how intentionally designed environments could enhance customer experiences, boost employee productivity, and reinforce brand identities.

This passion propelled me into roles with increasing responsibility in the public sector. I directed project teams as a Planner for Arlington County Government and later as the Space Planner for the City of Alexandria, Virginia. I managed multimillion-dollar budgets for strategic space planning. These positions sharpened my ability to navigate complex stakeholder needs, optimize spaces for efficiency, and ensure seamless project execution.

My time at 3D/International in Washington, DC, further honed my skills as I tackled high-pressure design projects for prestigious clients, including work within the Pentagon. Through collaboration with architects, engineers, branding teams, and business owners, I learned to bring cohesive visions to life while balancing practical constraints with aesthetic goals.

Honoring My Heritage and Leading My Family's Business Legacy

In 2007, I returned to Trinidad and Tobago to take over my family's commercial printing company, M&J Printers Limited. This move transcended career advancement, representing a commitment to preserving a meaningful legacy while bringing a fresh vision to an established business.

As Director and General Manager for fifteen years, I led all facets of business operations, encompassing strategic planning, financial management, client relations, and vendor negotiations. My design and business management background allowed me to modernize the company, integrate new technologies, and enhance branding efforts.

Under my leadership, the company built long-term partnerships, expanded its service offerings, and strengthened its market position. Managing a diverse team and overseeing high-quality production has reinforced my leadership capabilities and deepened my understanding of operational efficiency, customer engagement, and strategic growth, while maintaining a delicate balance between tradition and innovation.

Formalizing Expertise in Communication and Development

After guiding the family business for a decade and a half, I recognized an opportunity to expand my expertise and develop my leadership skills. This led me to the University of San Francisco, where I pursued a Master's in Professional Communication. This program allowed me to formalize my knowledge in leadership, strategic messaging, and digital media.

My graduate studies were instrumental in shaping my ability to train, mentor, and lead teams effectively. I understood that communication lies at the heart of every successful organization, reinforcing the importance of reputation management, public relations, and stakeholder engagement.

My capstone project, developing a leadership communication training program for newly ordained Roman Catholic priests, opened an unexpected yet deeply fulfilling path. This academic exercise evolved into meaningful work with the Archdiocese of Port of Spain's Office of Vocations. I joined the newly appointed Director of Vocations to develop programs that support priests in their vocation, meeting the broader needs of the parish.

This experience sparked a new passion for training and development, prompting me to pursue a second Master's degree in Training and Development at Roosevelt University in Chicago. I recognized that practical leadership training requires strong communication skills, instructional design expertise, structured learning strategies, adult education principles, and managerial efficiency.

My experience assisting in a summer course on reputation management as a teacher's assistant further reinforced this perspective. Engaging with students, facilitating discussions, and supporting course delivery provided firsthand insight into instructional design and adult learning, deepening my interest in developing, implementing and evaluating training programs.

Where Faith Meets Professional Purpose

As a devout Roman Catholic, the opportunity to work with the Archdiocese of Port of Spain in Trinidad and Tobago resonated deeply with my faith and professional mission. As the Program Development Specialist and Assistant to the Program Director at the Office of Vocations, I have leveraged my expertise in leadership communication, program development, and stakeholder engagement.

Through strategic planning, digital communication, and event coordination, I contribute to fostering a culture of vocations and supporting Church leadership in its mission. I have designed communication strategies, developed standardized processes, built stakeholder relationships, and executed meaningful initiatives, all in service to a greater purpose that aligns my professional skills with my faith.

 A Future in Strategic Leadership

With my diverse background spanning design, business management, communication, and leadership training, my professional goal is to step into a Chief of Staff role. This position perfectly synthesizes my skills. It is a strategic leadership position that aligns executive priorities, manages cross-functional initiatives, and ensures organizational efficiency.

A Chief of Staff is a key advisor to executive leadership, streamlining operations, facilitating decision-making, and ensuring effective execution of an organization's vision. As someone who has consistently bridged different worlds throughout my career, I can be the crucial link between a leader's vision and its practical implementation across an organization.

My journey has taught me that true professional fulfilment comes from utilizing skills and finding the place where those skills serve a greater purpose. Whether designing spaces that enhance human experience, preserving a family legacy, or supporting spiritual leaders in their development, I've always sought to create impact beyond the bottom line.

Whether in business, academia, or ecclesiastical leadership, I aim to continue building strong, strategic, and impactful organizations through effective leadership, operational efficiency, relationship-building, and strategic communication. I combine my experience's diverse threads to create meaningful outcomes that honor tradition and innovation.