I lead a national economic development center building an economy with opportunities for all to prosper (NCGrowth). We do real work with communities across the US, but what makes us most unique are the values guide us:

Every decision presents an opportunity to have an impact. 
Failure is not an option. 
Leave no one behind. 
History, culture and demographics matter. 
Respect for elders. 
Power to the people. 

I founded the Black Communities Conference, the international convening of leaders and academics across the African diaspora. I also served as AAAS Congressional Science Fellow to the US House Committee on Foreign Affairs; worked in renewable energy; and served as executive director of a think tank.

I graduated from Harvard College (BA) and Rice University (PhD).