Growing up on the outskirts of Albuquerque's International District, I've always investigated the details and mechanics of complex built and social ecosystems – which makes sense, given that my dad is a contractor from South Carolina, my mom a generational New Mexican and a social justice and education advocate.
Whether it was the bare bones of a newly framed home, complicated dynamics at the neighborhood association meetings in the elementary school cafeteria, or even the latest chisme from extended family, I watched and listened to it all to soak up as much as I could. My childhood was full of discovery, compassion, service, and dedication to correcting injustices close to home.
It's no wonder that today, I've dedicated my life to
- eliminating barriers to full, fair participation in society – especially for those least served and most marginalized by its structures;
- (re)Building systems to stand the test of time... and that work properly;
- demonstrating integrity through a lifetime of dedication to taking action;
- solving big problems with big solutions.
Organizing communities since 2001.
I am working on painting a better, more comprehensive picture of the work I've done, my experience, and the impact we've had together. The following are a number of issues on which I have expertise and have actively led and/or closely worked:
Civic Engagement
- Positive Youth Development
- Neighborhood Associations
- Racial Equity
Justice Reform
- Juvenile Detention Alternatives to Incarceration
- Reducing Racial & Ethnic Disparities
- Ban-the-Box legislation
- LGBTQ+ Civil Rights Legislation
Public Health
- School-Based Health Center expansion and funding
- Health Impact Assessments
- LGBTQ+ Access to Dignity
– Transgender care coverage from private insurance
– Safe & Inclusive Bathrooms for All
– Inclusive Birth Certificate Policies - Abortion, Contraception & Reproductive Healthcare Access
Violence Prevention
- Intimate Partner Violent Death Review Team
- Gun Violence Prevention
– Distribution of gun locks
– Red flag protection order legislation - Albuquerque Police reform
– Police Oversight Board Youth Advisory Council
– APD & DOJ consent decree
Environment
- Zoning & Development ordinances
- Health Impact Assessments
- Transit to Open Space programming
- Tijeras Watershed Protection
- Kirtland Air Force Base Jet Fuel Spill
- Community Asset Mapping
Fundraising
- Direct Appeals
– Small donors
– Major donor relations - Online Donation/Conversion UX design
- Customer Relationship Management database (CRM) implementation
- Grant writing & Administration
- Corporate & Foundation Relations
Media
- Establishment of an Independent Community Newspaper
- Hyper-local neighborhood news
- Public television news commentary
- Media Literacy
