If You Can Dream It…
Theodore Roosevelt once said, “This country will not be a good place for any of us to live in unless we make it a good place for all of us to live in.” It is this statement that represents my philosophy towards a genuine commitment to make Tallahassee a great place to live. My personal story began within the confines of this great city. I grew up in the heart of the Frenchtown community, where the odds were seemingly against me; however, if given the opportunity, I would not trade my humble beginnings in exchange for anything. I knew at a very early age that I would complete high school, graduate from college, and make major contributions to this community. At the age of 17, I gave birth to my first child, yet I successfully completed high school one year earlier than anticipated. Five years later, I graduated from Florida A & M University with a Masters degree in Public Management. I wholeheartedly believe in Authentic Community Engagement and I have pledged my efforts to this community for many years. Those who know me would say my dedication and commitment is nothing less than unwavering.
My profession began in the real estate industry in 1999, as the Administrator of the First Time Home Buyer Program for Florida Housing Finance Corporation. I managed the issuance of over $800 million in mortgage revenue bonds, which resulted in home ownership for over 5000 families throughout the state. As a Realtor Continuing Education Instructor, I have trained approximately 400 Realtors throughout the state. Currently, I am the Broker/Owner of Cobb Realty & Investment Company (Cobb Realty), a boutique real estate firm celebrating 5 years in business. Cobb Realty is a partner agency of the Tallahassee Lenders’ Consortium and supporter of Inspire Group, Inc., a local foster home for males ages 14-17. Among others, I currently hold CRS, ABRM, and SFR designations. I have closed over $9 million in commercial and residential real estate transactions. My true accomplishments cannot be measured by volume or numbers, but rather by the unparalleled service that I provide to each client. Because my niche market is first-time buyers, these transactions require more time, patience, education, and hand holding. As a NFCC certified housing and credit counselor, I am committed to going the extra mile to provide credit counseling and financial education whenever necessary.
My humble beginnings have served as the foundation for my personal and professional development, my notable achievements, and my community involvement. I attribute these early achievements to my determination and the support from many individuals in the Tallahassee community. The support I remember signified a spirit of unity and it continues to guide each contribution I make to the community. It keeps me seeking ways to remain actively involved in the community and striving daily to ensure that I do my part to make Tallahassee a better place to reside. As a single mother of two beautiful daughters Kiara (21) and Imani (10), I have worked extremely hard to instill this same spirit within them, so they may understand the importance of a charitable heart and community involvement. As I undertake my hobbies of reading inspirational books and traveling, I take the opportunity to inspire my daughters by exposing them to communities in less fortunate countries abroad, so they may gain a greater appreciation of the value of lending a helping hand when necessary. I agree with Shirley Chisholm, “Service is the rent that we pay for the privilege of living on this earth.”
Although my commitment to serving others is extremely demanding, it is also extremely rewarding. My service is the epitome of Authentic Community Engagement and is best exhibited in the various boards and committees where I currently serve or have served in the past. These include:
• Homeless Ministry Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church—Provided ministry, transportation, toiletries, food those residing at the Homeless Shelter.
• Habitat for Humanity—Participate in and have led volunteer team building efforts
• Workforce Plus Regional Consortium Member—Current Vice-Chair
• United Way of the Big Bend BEST Leadership Team and Financial Education Committee Member—Provides financial education workshops
• Tallahassee Housing Authority Program Coordinating Committee Member—Assists with identifying tenant needs and connecting tenants with supportive services
• Leadership Tallahassee Class 29—Serves on the Youth Leadership Tallahassee Selection and Distinguished Leadership Awards Planning Committees
• Tallahassee Lenders’ Consortium Partner—Participate in community events and assists with home buyer education courses
• State Rep. Alan Williams Alan4Youth Girls Retreat-Invited to speak to the teenagers about the importance of credit and personal financial responsibility
