At work: With a background in the public and private sector as both an employee and entrepreneur, I try to bring a new approach as well as an extensive array of experiences to the office. As an alumni of Thomas Nelson Community College, Virginia Wesleyan University and University of Maryland, I’m always looking to take a different approach in how my team and I govern a team of 40-plus professionals, two offices and a budget exceeding $2.5 million. I maintain the priority of open dialogue and the exchange of ideas at all levels and at all times. This has led to new internal positions, opportunities, promotions and input for new initiatives. When it comes to policy, the office has hosted tours with question and answer opportunities for members of our Newport News delegation as well as members of city council and maintain working relationships with their offices. A grassroots hands on approach served us well and I continue to use it when engaging with local business leaders by initiating our Labor Education Entrepreneurship and Diversity initiative where I listen to business concerns ranging from state and local taxes, compliance questions, assistance regarding the SWAM process and so many others. This led to our ongoing collaboration with the office of the Mayor of Virginia Beach on developing the first statewide minority business commission. And most importantly I keep senior citizens at the forefront of my constituent outreach.