Executive Director, Special Olympics Nevada
Type of Business: Non-Profit
Based: Statewide
Hails From: Las Vegas
Years Co. has been in Nevada: 18
Months with Company in Nevada: 5
Employees with Company: 5
What Was Your First Job?
[I was a] stock clerk for a 7-11 store in North Las Vegas (Lake Mead & Las Vegas Blvd.).
What do you want your legacy to be?
I want to be remembered as an authentic, gracious and courageous leader that made the world a better place.
What career advice would you give to your teenage self?
Make the most out of every opportunity that you are presented with. Ignore the naysayers and stay focused on your goals. It pays off and you will find that you will have everything your heart desires and more.
What is an issue currently facing your industry an outside observer might not be aware of?
One of the biggest issues in respects to the population that I serve – people with intellectual disabilities (ID) – is a lack of education. People often are intimidated to engage with people with ID because they hone in on the physical differences; forgetting that at the core of every human is the desire to be treated with dignity and respect. Because of this veiled thinking, people with ID are often misjudged on their abilities or marginalized.
What would be the title of your autobiography?
Fierce and Silent
What is the best moment of your career?
This present moment. I am still in awe of how the last 20 years prepared a young, poor African-American kid from North Las Vegas for the role of executive director with an organization that has a tremendous mission and global brand recognition.
What three words would you want your worst enemy to use when describing you?
He never stops.
What was the toughest lesson you’ve learned in your career?
It’s okay to ask for help.
What is your motto?
Strive for excellence, not perfection.
What is your favorite thing about living in Nevada?
It’s my home state. There are so many amazing qualities in Nevada, statewide, that I am proud to claim it, not only as my place of birth, but home.
