Meet our Team: De’Amonta
My Journey
To be a woman is to face the subtle yet pervasive message that you are lesser than. But to be a woman of color is to confront a far steeper climb—one where every step forward is harder, yet every achievement feels more significant. My mother taught me this truth early on, along with many others—truths that condensed into the old adage: you have to be twice as good to get half as much. I learned to view the world as a place that was not built for my success, and that I would have to push forward in spite of the barriers surrounding me.
Throughout my journey, I’ve often found myself in spaces where I felt unwelcome, distrusted, or as though my voice didn’t matter. But everything changed when I arrived at Spelman College. For the first time, I was in a space where people genuinely cared about me. They saw my potential, supported my growth, and invested in my success—not just as an individual, but as part of a collective. It was there that I truly began to understand the power of mentorship and that things can and must be different.
Since then, I have made it a priority to surround myself with women who could support and challenge me, and whom I could uplift in return. As I moved through different graduate programs and career paths, I’ve been fortunate to encounter strong, driven women who have not only led by example, but who have opened doors for me—just as my professors and peers did at Spelman. They pushed me to think bigger, challenge myself, and gave me the tools and opportunities to grow in ways I hadn’t imagined. Their belief in me helped me believe in myself. Now, I strive to do the same for others.
My “Why”
Whether as a Court Appointed Special Advocate for foster youth or as a school psychologist, I advocate for others—challenging, supporting, and helping them to overcome the obstacles in their paths. I’m deeply passionate about creating change, because I believe that change requires action, and growth requires intentional, hands-on support.
The progress women have made is undeniable, but there’s still so much more to be done. Right now, it feels like we’re stuck, even taking steps backward. We tell girls they can be anything, but too often, we show them a different reality. As the mother of a young daughter, I don’t want to simply tell her that she can do anything—I want to show her. We have to keep pushing for progress—for ourselves and for the next generation. The work we do now—especially in creating pathways to leadership and power for women—matters more than ever. Without women in positions of influence, we won’t have the voice or the opportunity to create the equitable systems we so desperately need.
The Vision for Change
It’s time to stop asking for a seat at the table and start taking our place. Or better yet, let’s build a new table altogether. We don’t have to settle for a system that works against us. We can create a new way forward. Imagine what the world would look like if we not only supported each other but actively elevated each other, not in spite of our differences, but because of our collective strength. I believe Paco Leadership Collective is that space—a place where women are heard, valued, and empowered in meaningful ways. A place where we can truly thrive—together.
I’m excited for the opportunity to work with such amazing people and to learn from everyone we encounter along the way. If you too are passionate about equity, supporting others, and challenging the status quo, I invite you to join us. Together, we can accomplish more than we ever could alone and our collective efforts have the power to elevate us all.
“If you want to go fast, go alone. If you want to go far, go together.”
