Leader | Program Manager
Adult Learning Practitioner
For nearly three decades, I've trained, coached, and led people across some very different worlds: military service, early childhood education, sales and hospitality, grant-funded youth programs, and now federal program management. What ties it together is a simple belief: learning happens whether we intend to teach or not. My job has always been to make sure the door is open when people get to the lesson.
This ePortfolio was built as part of my graduate work in Adult Learning and Development at Valdosta State University, and it brings together the theory behind that belief with the practice I've lived it through. Explore my background, my approach to access and adult education, and the work this program has helped me put into words.
About Me
I'm a veteran, a teacher, and a mother to two young adult men. I'm an animal lover, too, with two cats and a service dog, and honestly a soft spot for the slimy and sticky creatures, not just the furry ones.
I lead a small Federal Labor Union. I read every chance I get, and my audiobook and podcast library could rival almost anyone's. I've written more than I probably admit to, or maybe more than I'm even aware of at this point — at this rate, I'll probably publish something someday.
I'm a New England sports fan, and I'm Cape Verdean-American, so I've been quietly grateful the Cabo Verde national soccer team has been doing well lately, since it means I don't have to give a geography lesson every time I mention where my family's from. And yes, I'll take the karaoke mic if you hand it to me.
And underneath all of it, I'm politically and socially attuned, and I'm an advocate. That part shows up in everything else on this list.
This portfolio deals in part with ongoing policies, programs, and operations of the Department of the Air Force (DAF). I have not been authorized by appropriate agency authorities to present this material as the agency's official position. The views presented are my entirely my own and do not necessarily represent the views of Department of War (DoW), DAF, or any of their components.
Education
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Air Force Negotiation Center Conflict Management Course, by correspondence —
Air Force Negotiation Center, 2026
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Emerging Leader Course —
Civilian Leadership Development School, 2026
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Air Force OPSEC Course, in residence — Hurlburt Field, FL, 2023
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BS, Business Management,
Minor in Human Resource Management — University of Mount Olive, 2017
University Marshal
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AAS, Early Childhood Professions —
Central Texas College, 2012
Major Awards
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ACC Superior Performer, 2021 & 2023
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4th Fighter Wing Category 1
Civilian of the Year, 2021
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North Carolina Governor's Award for
Volunteer Excellence, 2020
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Presidential Volunteer Service Award,
Lifetime Achievement, 2020
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Civilian Volunteer Excellence Award, 2020
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9th Air Force Diversity and Inclusion Award, 2019
Left: Photo courtesy of Colin Benjamin Lobo Caves
Right: Photo courtesy of 4th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
