Q: How would you describe yourself?
A: I am a multifaceted, deeply empathic person who fervently believes in the boundless potential of the human spirit, a champion of diversity and inclusivity, and a lifelong learner. As a gay Black man, I have often navigated spaces that were not created with me in mind, so I am deeply committed to nurturing spaces where every story is heard, every voice is valued, and every individual feels appreciated, valued, seen, and heard.
For fun, I enjoy my daily fitness classes at Barry’s, dancing to house music on the weekends, traveling, and eating as many desserts and sweets as I can put my hands on. My family and my faith grounds me, and it needs to be said that Beyonce is the G.O.A.T. We can always argue about it in my free time.
Q: What drew you to this role and AFC?
A: First and foremost, what drew me to the role and AFC is the unwavering commitment of the organization to lead the fight against HIV/AIDS and improve the lives of people affected by the epidemic. AFC leads – – it does not follow. I was also profoundly impressed with AFC’s multifaceted approach to addressing the HIV/AIDS epidemic, which encompasses advocacy and policy work and extends to housing, case management, and a range of other services that holistically address the needs of people affected by HIV/AIDS.
Marrying my passion for cultivating environments where talent can flourish and bringing in the best talent in service of the mission of AFC is an ideal fit.
Q: What does your role mean to you?
A: It’s not just a job for me.
This role represents an opportunity to nurture the greatest asset of AFC – its people. I see myself as a custodian of the organization’s culture, working tirelessly to ensure that our work environment is safe and supportive and that we have the right conditions that foster innovation, collaboration, and growth. It is about creating spaces where our team can flourish professionally while finding personal fulfillment in the knowledge that their efforts make a tangible difference in the community.
Furthermore, this role is about attracting and sculpting future leaders. Talent management is a visionary endeavor where I have the privilege of spotting potential, nurturing skills, and fostering leaders who carry the mantle of AFC’s legacy forward with integrity and passion.
The role is more than a position or a job; it is a call to serve.
Q: What ideas or projects are you excited about bringing to your role?
A: I am enthusiastic about leading the people initiatives of AFC’s Racial Equity Action Plan, specifically bolstering our recruitment and retention strategies to ensure a workforce that is not only diverse but also inclusive and equitable. I’m also excited about all the great technology in the HR space that helps streamline our HR processes, allowing us to devote more time to strategic initiatives and less on administrative tasks.
Q: What are you excited to learn about the AFC and the community it serves?
A: I am genuinely excited to delve deep into the rich tapestry of narratives, experiences, and history that the AIDS Foundation of Chicago encompasses. AFC has a storied history of advocating for people living with HIV/AIDS. I am eager to learn more about the journey, the milestones achieved, and the strategies employed in navigating the complex landscape of healthcare advocacy over the years.
Moreover, I am keen to learn about the internal culture at AFC — the traditions, the values that guide our team, and the stories of individual team members who dedicate themselves to the mission of AFC. Understanding the organizational culture will be vital in nurturing a work environment where everyone feels seen, heard, and valued.
Q: What may people be surprised to learn about you?
A: I’m a classically trained pianist. I started playing piano at age 5, but I started investing in my other talents when I attended college. My father was convinced that music was not a sure bet and that there was safety, financially, in going to a well-respected college and becoming an Accountant. In his mind, music was a side hustle. My mother, a CPS teacher, thought otherwise and encouraged my musical pursuits in adulthood. Ultimately, I did listen to my dad and started a career in Finance/Accounting, but it’s no surprise I got bored quickly and landed in HR shortly after.
Being a pianist, I always knew talent is made and not born. People with expert abilities have almost always acquired it through deliberate practice, obtaining the necessary feedback, correcting past mistakes, and focusing on the process and the outcome. This belief empowers the work I do every day in HR. Finding and retaining great talent takes work. The investment is expensive, but there’s nothing that great talent can’t achieve once it’s in the right environment. My music training taught me that!
