Featured Sponsor
For more than 25 years, dance has been the foundation of my life. From the time I was a young child, it became much more than an art form—it became my refuge, my greatest teacher, and the passion that shaped the person I am today. Through life’s challenges, dance gave me confidence, discipline, hope, and purpose. It changed—and truly saved—my life, inspiring me to dedicate my life to creating those same opportunities for others.
I began my formal training at the Culture House Arts Academy in Kansas City, Missouri, where I studied from ages 12 to 18. At just 15 years old, I was selected to dance with the senior class at the University of Missouri–Kansas City (UMKC), and later earned acceptance into the prestigious Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater Summer Program in New York City, where I was one of only 12 dancers selected from more than 300 applicants.
At 18, I became an instructor for the STAR Program in Kansas City, Missouri, where I taught ballroom dance to teenage girls who were transported from a local girls’ home to participate in the program. That experience confirmed what I had always believed—
that dance has the power to build confidence, provide hope, and positively impact the lives of young people by giving them encouragement, discipline, and a sense of purpose.
Throughout my career, I have served as an instructor, coach, studio owner, manager, vendor, and entrepreneur, giving me experience in nearly every aspect of the dance industry. Today, I am honored to be ranked second in the nation in the Pro-Am Gold Division.
I am also the owner and operator of Bakerette Beauty, LLC, a professional hair and makeup company that I have successfully led for the past six years. As a survivor of domestic violence and narcissistic abuse, I understand firsthand how difficult it can be to rebuild a life and regain confidence after experiencing trauma. That personal journey has inspired me to develop a workforce training program through Bakerette Beauty that equips survivors with professional hair and makeup skills, mentorship, and meaningful employment opportunities.
As a sponsor and recruiter for Ballroom Mississippi Academy, I am committed to expanding access to ballroom dance for children who might not otherwise have the opportunity to experience it. My role is to recruit exceptional coaches and instructors who share a passion for mentoring young people and providing high-quality dance education.
I believe that one opportunity can change the course of a person’s life. Dance changed mine, and it is now my life’s mission to help create opportunities that transform the lives of others. Whether by connecting children with outstanding ballroom dance mentors or by helping women rebuild their futures through career training, my purpose is to empower others with the confidence, skills, and support they need to thrive.
