What is your title? Program Specialist for Intercultural Relations
Would you like to share a little about your immediate family or family history? From my mother side, I have one sister, Tara Cook and she has three sons. From my father side, I am the second oldest out of seven. My mother and father live in Atlanta. I have a host of cousins, uncles and aunts on both sides of my family tree.
How long have you been working at Georgia State University? From a full time perspective, I have been working here since August 9, 1999. In addition, I have worked on this campus as work study, student assistant and part time temporary during the mid 1980’s until summer 1999.
What do you do on a typical day? My day begins with reviewing my action lists and lining up the projects that need the most attention. During the programming season (August – April), my day can include preparing for an event, executing the event and closing out the event. Also, there are meetings, interactions with room reservations, catering, other offices and performing artists. My position deals with a great of marketing the events for much of what we do at Intercultural Relations is very date and time sensitive. I supervise student assistants, Graduate Administrative Assistant and volunteers. Lastly, I give attention to the planning of the MLK Convocation and Series for I served as event chairperson for both committees. With all the festivities beginning in January of each year, early planning is imperative.
What is your background? While I was a student leader at Georgia State University, I served as event chairperson for Women’s Life and Black Life & Culture Committees via Spotlight Programs Board. I fell in love with event planning at the time. Thus, I have been dealing with event producing and planning for 22 years. In addition, I develop the marketing PR campaign for the office events. My job has a lot of creativity so that fact that I have a background in dance/performing arts is a great asset for me. Since I am a native of Atlanta, I know the city well and can connect with external resources that we may need for an event such as the Auburn Avenue Research Library for example.
What do you do when you are not at work? First, I have active and solid spiritual side of me that includes membership at Providence Missionary Baptist Church and Hillside International Truth Center. Second, I love the arts. I spend my time wisely by attending different cultural events, participating in Uhuru’s African Dance Class on Saturdays and volunteering with organizations that I have a passion for such as Alvin Ailey Ambassadors for Atlanta, National Black Arts Festival, The Atlanta Women’s Foundation and Real Men Cook. Moreover, I am an active member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc., Kappa Iota Zeta Chapter.
What is your favorite thing in your office? There is a picture of my maternal grandmother, Kate Cook, and while she was living she told me to stay strong, be the best, get your education and keep on dancing. Every time I look at her picture, I can sense and feel the strength of her spirit.
What don’t people know about you? I am celebrating 23 years as a volunteer for the National Black Arts Festival. I have been volunteering since the beginning of the festival so I am very proud of this milestone.
If you weren’t working at Georgia State, what would your ideal job be? My ideal job would be a nice blend of the arts administration, philanthropy, diversity and community outreach. Of course, my event planning and marketing skills are transferable and will follow me anyway. I can see myself as Director of Cultural and Educational Programs at a large performing arts center and eventually moving up to the Vice President level.
April 3, 2012, Communications Committee