True Star was the first job I ever had, and the reason I am the Sports Communications Professional that I am today.

BECOMING A TRUE, STAR

In 2010, True Star Media & Foundation co-founder Na-Tae Thompson offered fellow Morgan Park Mustang and 16-year-old me a job on the Freelance Editorial team based out of True Star Headquarter. Shortly after, I received the opportunity to interview 2x GRAMMY nominated singer-songwriter Keri Hilson for my first ever cover story and officially became a published writer. 

From that moment on, I had the confidence to pitch my own stories and follow my dreams. With DeAnna and Na-Tae's support to contribute new ideas, I was able to create my own lane in sports media– eventually leading to the creation of True Star's first ever Sports Editorial Program led by renown author and Chicago sports historian Jack Silverstein.

In my 6 years as a student with True Star, I participated in at least 6 different programs: freelance editorial, radio broadcasting, marketing, street team, blogging, and sports editorial. By the time I started college, I'd already been published in a magazine; co-hosted a live radio show on Power 92; started a new sports journalism program; and developed a professional resume with senior-level skills and experiences well beyond my years–along with with a network of award-winning industry professionals such as Bioncé Foxx, Scoop Jackson, Chance the Rapper, and NBA assistant coach Ron Adams.

A TRUE STAR, RISING

In less than 14 years, I've gone from editorial program student to assistant to instructor, and now Sponsorships & Events Coordinator.

True Star truly changed my life, and can continue to change the lives of the next generation of Chicago students with continued financial support to fund programming, increase its reach, and grow its student and full-time staff.

True Star is why I majored in communication.

True Star is how I began my career in sports.

True Star is what inspired me to create my own nonprofit organization: Grow The Game.

I could not be more honored or humbled to be recognized as an outstanding alumni of True Star Media and invited to be inducted into the True Star Legacy League as a member of the inaugural class for 2024. I hope that part of my legacy with True Star is being able to produce a successful 20-year celebration event and successfully invite new supporters to join the cause with a ticket purchase or monetary donation!