I am a dynamic, award-winning Cabo Verdean educator, unapologetic scholar, author, and community advocate. By day, I am a political science professor, with over 20 years of experience in global education and research interest on women and gender studies. At night, I focus on being a mama, and wife, and checking in on my community work where I am the founder of the Poderoza International Conference on Cabo Verdean Women which occurs in Providence, Rhode Island. I have worked in higher education for over 20 years, focusing on creating safe, equitable, and inclusive spaces for Black women and girls as well as delivering keynote lectures and presentations to various institutions and organizations in the US and abroad.

I am known for my upbeat teaching style, fostering an inclusive student-centered learning environment where students are encouraged to think critically and remain in control of their academic journey. My passion for education extends beyond the classroom as I support other educators at all levels through workshops in cultural competencies and beyond. I am the editor of Cabo Verdeans in the United States: 21st Century Critical Perspectives (Lexington Books, 2024), and principal editor of the book, Cabo Verdean Women Writing Remembrance, Resilience, and Revolution: Kriolas Poderozas (Lexington Press, 2021). I also hold a certificate in Leadership Foundation from Harvard Business School for Executive Leadership and an alumna of the International Women's Forum fellowship program (IWF).