Culture is an essential element of learning, and it is best absorbed the younger you are. Given the rate our world is becoming increasingly interconnected, early exposure to the world, its people, and their cultures can place someone light years ahead of their peers. It seems the D.C. Public School system understands the importance of early cultural exchanges and is …
Harriet Tubman Continues to Inspire Through Museum on Her Life
A recent trip to the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center provided an opportunity to be reminded that the long road to freedom, traveled by some who never had the chance to see the opportunities we are afforded today, reaffirms the strength of individuals determine to persevere. The life of Harriet Tubman is often told, as she is the most well …
Honoring Mandela Day Through Service
Nelson Mandela International Day was established to honor the man who lived his life in service to his community, his country, and the world. Celebrated on his birthday, Mandela Day honors not only the man and his life of service, but represents the importance of the actions we take everyday. Mandela understood the power of service, as in his words …
We Are Americans First
The Fourth of July celebrates the birthday of America – a birth thought to be so weakened without the rule, direction and protection of its all-powerful mother country. This very experiment lacked precedent and was never thought to see the light of day. Then There Were Believers In 1776 no colony had ever successfully broken away from its colonizing ruler …
NBA Draft Day: What About the 99%?
The National Basketball Association (NBA) draft is an emotional event for many different groups- the aspiring young professionals, their families, coaches, and the fans who spend countless hours researching the best possible selections for their respective teams. It’s a night where dreams do come true. All the blood, sweat, and tears have le d to the moment when you await …
Sports Diplomacy Will Continue in the Age of Trump…And Beyond
In my recent article, Why President Trump’s State Department Budget Cuts Are Inspiring, I outline my position on the need for Diplomacy and why it matters. In fact, I argue that diplomacy is so vital, especially exchanges such as sports diplomacy, that it should and will continue to play a fundamental role in the State Department’s mission. Budget cuts should …
3 Things My Dad Engrained In Me That All Daughters and Sons Should Know
We have all heard, “everyday should be Father’s Day”, but to have that one designated day to recognize fathers and father-figures is something special. My dad is an honest man, he never hides his shortcomings. As a kid, I vividly remember car rides with my older sister and brother – him presenting information he was processing from “self-help” books and …
Memorial Day 2017
Memorial Day gives all Americans across the globe a day to honor the memory of our military veterans, both past and present. We all have heard the phrase “Freedom isn’t Free”. For our United States, the meaning of these three words has moved ordinary women and men to answer the call of service to protect our Nation’s values- Memorial Day …
Volunteer Brigade
At the recent Virginia Service and Volunteerism Conference, held in Richmond, VA, I spoke of service and volunteerism and the difference we all can make by taking small steps forward. Are you interested in becoming a Service Culture Ambassador. Then joining the Volunteer Brigade is just the next step to get you moving forward. As part of the Volunteer Brigade, you …
Athletes and Social Media
Recently, I had the opportunity to speak on the topic of Athletes and Social Media. As an athlete, or any individual, it is important to use your opportunities for engaging with the public to the best of your abilities, while being aware of the image you are selecting to display. Social media can be a useful tool, but it is …