2023.03 -- US Storybook 2022 updated 4.14 - Flipbook - Page 14
Historically excluded racial and ethnic groups have consistently been underrepresented
regarding cross-cultural exposure. When I read about PeacePlayers’ mission, I knew I wanted
to be part of it. The opportunity to develop leaders is at the core of my life’s work. My love for
the game of basketball, youth, and development all pulled my heart to join the team.
PeacePlayers’ Core Values were also a draw for me. I have always worked at my best
in collaboration. So I was excited to work in this environment when I read about the
PeacePlayers’ culture of collaboration. As a leader, I love to encourage my team to participate
in all aspects of decision-making and process. I want my team to share their opinions and
work together to complete goals and objectives. At an early age, I was given responsibilities
that led me to believe in my ability to lead and bring people together for a common goal. I
enjoy coaching my teammates with best practices and problem-solving.
And we get to teach this value to our youth. I want our youth to understand the importance
of working together to solve problems, on the basketball court and off.
The work for me is to help young people to see that they don’t have to do it alone when
faced with a problem in life. Also, seeing people as people is a value that connects me to
PeacePlayers. I was raised with this important value. Growing up, my mom exposed my
siblings and me to the beauty of others regardless of background, race, or social class. Growing
up, we had a map in our room, and my mom would teach us what she knew about different
cultures. This started my path to travel at an early age. I went to Central America in my early
twenties, which opened my eyes to how people lived in other spaces. Seeing people as people,
not objects, is at the heart of everything I believe in.
These values are also relevant when I think about PeacePlayers in Chicago and the deep
divides in our city. I am challenged to see youth from different neighborhoods come together
to develop new and lasting friendships. Chicago is a divided city, and the work that the
Chicago team and I are developing is a city map of three peace zones – the south side, west
1
PEACEPLAYERS UNITED STATES STORYBOOK
