Annie joins INP as a 2022 RISE alum and nonprofit professional with six years of experience in advancing equitable outcomes in education, regional recruitment, program and project management, and workforce development.

Annie began her nonprofit career with an unconventional entry into education. Spearheading research efforts under Chicago Public School’s social-emotional learning initiative, Annie’s University of Chicago assistantship evolved into an instructor role at Bogan High School. Encouraging the use of mindfulness to help students self-regulate, improve attendance and teacher retention, and reduce disciplinary infractions with a restorative justice approach, her efforts strengthened the Bogan community.

The deepened passion for education prompted Annie to expand her reach in higher education by recruiting for Urban Teachers southern region. In her three years, Annie expanded her territory from seven to twelve states, helped implement programmatic improvements in the Black Educators Initiative, created the curriculum and marketing for the Radical Educators Series, and increased BIPOC representation in the Dallas teacher population.

Annie has committed to anti-racism, community development, autonomous storytelling, and making equitable professional development resources more accessible. She received her Bachelor of Arts degree in French from Northern Illinois University with a double minor in global studies and business administration. She is a self-published author, food blogger, entrepreneur, and host with a Dallas-based media group highlighting Black businesses.