Career
Highlights
I've competed in and placed well in all the different federations
over the years (i.e., Ms. Fitness USA, Ms. Galaxy, etc.). Most
recently, I won the 2000 NPC John Sherman Fitness Classic (short
class and overall winner) and the 2001 NPC Body Rock Classic Figure
Championship (first place short class). I took a 2-year
layoff while in graduate school from '94-96.
My
print/modeling exposure includes:
Ironman Magazine, October 2001, "Pump and Circumstance"
Feature - Coverage from the 2001 Body Rock Figure Championships
Finalist, 2001 Venus International Model Search Competition,
Washington, DC Region
Selected Cover Model for the 2001 Will Brent Collection "La
Femme Noir" Photographic Exhibition Book Project
Featured
in Today's Black Woman Magazine Shape-Up feature, Issues 1 and
2, 1998-1999
Why
did you become interested in fitness?
I wanted another competitive outlet. I've always been an
athlete, participating in track and field, soccer, and cheerleading.
When fitness competitions started exploding onto the scene,
it seemed fun and I knew it was something that I could do while
still getting that competitive "kick."
When
did you first start working out?
I've been working out for as long as I can remember, but I got
really serious with weights my freshman year of college in 1990.
The guy I was dating at the time was a police officer and
I started working out with him to maintain my shape and gain upper
body size. I have a naturally curvy figure and always had
strong, tight legs from track, but thin arms. I immediately
noticed that I was starting to put on muscle and my strength was
increasing. I also noticed that the more I lifted, the curvier
and sexier my body became. I've been living the bodybuilding lifestyle
ever since.
What
other physical activities do you enjoy to stay fit?
I like running, although I've begun to experience a little osteoarthritis
in my knees over the past few years (old bones already!). Being
a Florida native, I also enjoy outdoor-related activities like
hiking and rollerblading and water sports.
What
are your goals within the fitness industry?
To become as successful as possible, while continuing to be a
role model for young girls and professional career women. It
takes a great deal of discipline to maintain a successful career
while growing a small business, as well as staying true to yourself
to maintain your physique - and your sanity. I want women
to know that you really can have it all, if you're focused and
disciplined.
Additional Notes
Professionally, I am a Infectious Disease Epidemiologist and HIV/AIDS
prevention specialist, holding a Master of Public Health degree.
I am also the co-owner of the Fit Femme, LLC personal training
and nutritional consultation firm.
It
really saddens me when I see women with low self-esteem who may
let themselves go after they get in a relationship or begin having
kids. A lot of women today just don't have the energy to
do it. But when you take of you, for the sake of YOU, that's
the greatest feeling. That's what I try to instill in my
clients. My mother is such a role model to me. She
had 2 daughters, went to grad school and did her thing, is a very
successful aeronautical engineer, and is still a tight size 5.
She's always been sexy, still is, and knows it! Obviously,
having a woman like that for a mother was very empowering :)
