How it all began…

I have always enjoyed communicating from an early age. Communication for me was beyond using the appropriate style of expression when having little chit-chat or talking with people; instead, I was concerned with learning about and connecting with the individuals I met - in unique ways. It was no surprise to my loved ones as I could go on describing, in detail, the priceless moments I shared with the person I recently met across the walkway and spoke like I had known the individual for a long time. I was the kid who was present at discussion fora and participated in several debate teams where I would passionately exchange ideas about topics that mattered. I was the kid who looked deep into people to gauge their needs, feelings, thoughts, or intentions. I also was the kid who would sit and observe how conversations unfolded while also intrigued by people’s responses or reactions to one another.

I understood very early that every human encounter entails risk: as we face one another, we are confronted with the possibility of either being accepted, loved, misunderstood, or judged. And sometimes, we never really know in advance how any given contact will turn out. Such is the brave life of a communicator!

These observations became part of my experiences and led me to study the role of communication in our daily lives. I earned a Bachelor of Arts in Speech Communication from Southern Illinois University with a concentration in Persuasive and Organizational Communication. During this season of my life, I was exposed to various communication subjects, and my interest in understanding human communication expanded exponentially. My interests channeled me into acquiring certifications and skills in public speaking, leadership, advocacy, journalism, interviewing, media relations, advertising, performance reviews, emotional intelligence, negotiating and mediating disputes, and so on. These skills weren’t just learned by acquiring knowledge through books; they were also mastered and practiced through experience and deliberateness. Ultimately, my love for learning inspired me to take risks, pursue dreams, and thrive confidently in everything I set my mind to achieve.

One skill that accompanied me as I journeyed through the study of communication is the ability to gather information about a topic, review that information, analyze and interpret the details to support a solution, reach a conclusion, and make informed decisions. In other words, Research. Another skill that became a purposeful companion as I navigated several seasons is Teaching. I was that little girl who played the “teacher” role in my mother’s backyard as I tried to get my family friends, and the neighborhood kids to learn from me. During our play session, I took any time I got to play teacher. I couldn’t resist sharing my knowledge with the people I encountered. At every opportunity, I would teach: If I wasn’t bringing an already known idea to people's attention, I was breaking down complex problems into simple solutions.

While Mastering the Arts of Communication Studies at the University of North Carolina (UNCG), I situated myself to discover, develop, sharpen, and master relevant skills, strengths, and superpowers - that placed me on several platforms, fostered connections and collaborations, and earned me multiple distinguished honorary awards. I later transitioned to serve as a faculty member with the UNCG’s communication department and facilitator at the institution’s Office of Intercultural Engagement, where I enjoyed researching, teaching, publishing in peer-reviewed journals, mentoring, facilitating discussions, presenting, hosting, leading, engaging in community service, and working with individuals and institutions to effectively express observations, needs, and requests to obtain their desired outcome.

At the start of every conversation, I hope to expand hearts and create an open space for learning - and ultimately, transformation!

Present Progress

As I explored the world of communication through learning and application, one thing remained the same: I enjoy helping individuals and organizations with incompatible differences reach an agreement or a shared goal. It is gratifying when individuals request help in navigating their ongoing conflicts. It is even more fulfilling when I provide them with the tools to reach high-functioning relationships and attain goals in peaceful and non-violent ways. So, I understand that one way to merge my passion with my skills is by using communication to transform conflicts.

The effects of conflicts in our world are starkly clear and dire. My experiences growing up in a conflict-affected area, losing some loved ones to armed conflict, and observing the world at large made it crystal clear to me that the need to transform conflicts should not be considered an option anymore. It is a necessity! As a scholar, I became interested in using proven communication theories, methods, and procedures to conduct original research to identify, address, and transform conflict situations - no matter how minor or major they appear. The effects of conflicts are incredibly costly, ranging from dissatisfaction with relationships, influence on an organization’s culture, destruction of assets and infrastructures, population displacements, forced migration, and disruption of social, political, and economic systems, to mention a few. I believe that while conflict is inevitable and everywhere, we have the option to choose an outcome that is constructive and not destructive. As such,

I build on the principle that every dispute has a solution! Hence, I am on a peacebuilding mission to equip individuals, governments, and institutions with the necessary skills and proven strategies to transform conflict at any level - micro, exo, meso, and macro levels.

Presently, I carry out this mission as a communication instructor and doctoral researcher in the Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media program at North Carolina State University. At this institution, I teach communication studies courses such as public speaking, international and cross-cultural communication, and conflict management to students from diverse backgrounds and cultures. In addition to carrying out my scholarly duties, more recently, I have focused on using multimodal communication techniques to explore the testimonies, discourse, and visual media representation of individuals affected by conflict (such as terrorist and trauma survivors) and have studied how displaced persons’ well-being, mobility, and access to information and communication technologies (ICTs) are influenced by the conflict experienced. On an organizational level, I recently studied the inner workings and structure of non-profit organizations and created a dispute system design for its Board of Directors. I am presently working on a research book project that reimagines what contemporary communication looks like in a digital world. Together with a team of bright scholars, we are examining how knowledge production, media forms, and digital technology is influencing our digital culture today. Also, I am exploring the role of communication and digital technology in terrorism, and I am doing so by examining both emerging and established terrorist organizations within the African continent with the aim of transforming the ongoing conflict in the region and promoting peace and justice in our world.

Through my lived experience and training as a scholar, I create and offer solutions to the world in the areas of Communication, Conflict-Transformation, and Counter-Terrorism.

Future Focus

As a catalyst for change, I am suited to serve. My service is not solely focused on my scholarship. I also shine my light on several platforms. I am working with a team of geniuses while serving as the President of my university’s program association (Communication, Rhetoric, and Digital Media program at North Carolina State University) to advocate for students’ best interests by providing opportunities for their success within and beyond the confines of academia. I also serve on the Advisory Board of North Carolina State Feed the Pack. As a board member, I share ideas on making the initiative more inclusive of minority communities experiencing food insecurities induced by conflict and systemic inequalities.

My experiences growing up also ignited a passion for serving vulnerable underrepresented individuals and developing impoverished communities. As the founding executive director of The DEW Foundation, also known as Love Paradise, a 501c3 non-profit organization with a network of several impactful initiatives, I work with a team of bright minds to provide resources, mentorship, sponsorship, and a safe community for these individuals. Some of our initiatives are #GEMDaughters #Alignment, #DEWDayofGiving, and #LetLoveWin (a mission that educates, protects, and supports individuals at risk of being used to induce conflict or extreme violence), etc. I also collaborate with other non-profit organizations by volunteering, partnering, and donating to their cause. These are some channels I continue to use to offer solutions to the world. I am open to engaging in more collaborations and community outreach that eventually result in implementing appropriate structures and policies to leave our world better than we found it.

Conflict is everywhere! We should be willing and ready to transform conflict whenever and however it emerges. Every dispute has a solution; as such, our personal lives, organizations, institutions, and communities should not continue to suffer from its drastic effects.

Indeed, conflicts can be transformed without waste of life and resources. And though our perspectives, orientations, and ideologies may differ, we don’t have to face the possibility of hatred. None of us should be scathed. Together, one step at a time, we can unveil our masks and authentically connect because we are one human family!

My wealth of experience in identifying, understanding, intervening, and transforming conflict situations stems from witnessing the devastating damages caused by ongoing conflicts in our world, conducting extensive research on various conflict contexts, and working with individuals, organizations, communities, and institutions affected by conflicts. I am passionate about stretching out to the unreached, speaking up for the voiceless, supporting the helpless, and standing with the fearless. My results are evident distinctively as I speak, educate, coach, mentor, contribute and collaborate when consulted. By working with me, I can serve you the right tools, strategies, and proven skills to help you experience rich conversations, reach high-functioning relationships and performances, and build sustainable communities and institutions.

And together, we can create a habitable world where we all can thrive harmoniously!