I was inspired to join CMCP by the wealth of attorneys of color and allies all focused on the goals of promoting diversity in the legal profession by providing access to opportunities for business development, which is critical to the career advancement of attorneys of color. Indeed, CMCP has played a significant role in my own career trajectory. My involvement on the Annual Business Conference Planning Committee and the CMCP Ambassadors Council -- and now as Co-Chair of the Ambassadors Council -- has provided me with many opportunities for business and professional development that aided me in my recent promotion from associate to partner.

I am very proud of the deep and valuable connections and friendships I have made through CMCP while doing the important work of connecting attorneys of color and promoting DEI efforts in the legal profession.

I was drawn to specialize in real estate litigation because I really enjoy the attention to detail and creativity it requires. It is also very exciting to see the impacts of my litigation efforts in the real world. I have handled cases impacting the use and development of real property all across the state -- even directly in my own neighborhood of Windsor Hills/View Park.

I believe it is very important to volunteer time to educational causes given the significant educational disparities in this country. Personally, I enjoy volunteering my time to various mentoring programs targeted at law school students or K-12 students. There are numerous educational challenges that contribute to the lack of diversity in law (and in other professions) so I believe it is critical to make time be a resource to students and provide opportunities to learn about various options for their futures.

Bridging the gap between my law firm, Allen Matkins LLP, and community organizations that prioritize DEI efforts has been seamless, in part, due to my firm's strong commitment to DEI. Allen Matkins is a strong supporter of CMCP and numerous organizations that promote DEI efforts in the legal and real estate professions. Allen Matkins also supports its attorneys of color internally through affinity groups; constantly supporting our engagement in activities, conferences, and organizations that aid in business and professional development; and elevating attorneys of color to partnership and key roles in management. I am proud of Allen Matkins commitment to DEI and thrilled to have found a firm that believes in and supports promoting DEI in the legal profession. It actually taught me to value my time. Why does someone else think my time is more valuable than I do? Because I have to think critically about how I spend (and bill) my time at work, it taught me to think critically about how I spend my time in other areas of my life.

Be confident, believe in yourself, and take calculated professional risks as they are critical for your professional development and career advancement. These risks will also build resilience and further boost your confidence in yourself and your legal abilities.