Where do you work?
I am a social worker, which means I’m usually doing a variety of things for work. Currently that includes facilitating trainings, field education consulting, and seeing clients for therapy.

How long have you been involved with Women Unite!? 
Long time listener, first time caller. I have been following WU! since around 2017 and have participated in various events, but I just started as a board member in 2025.

What do you like most about Women Unite!?
I have always appreciated the transparency and communication of WU!. Being a social worker in Chicago, I have known about some of the partner organizations, and I really do love being able to see individual nonprofits grow and change through engagement with WU!.

What’s an issue you care deeply about?
Mental health in all the ways—destigmatizing, remaining person centered, and considering community care and accessibility. I care about this because our systems in place are not always supportive or stable, and I believe that working outside of these systems, leaning on each other, and creating community are the more stable and supportive options.

What’s a hobby you have? 
I recently heard the term hobby hopper, and it resonated with me. I like trying new things and seeing what sticks! Right now I’ve been painting and I love making things with my hands. I have been drawn to hobbies that bring me closer to my ancestors and have some ideas for the new future. Also since we’re in Spring, I’m now looking forward to some gardening.

What gives you hope?
Community, books, my kiddo. Small glimmers of the beauty in the world.

What are 2–3 ways you’ve been getting through the fall of late-stage capitalism?
I have done more reading in the past two years than at any other point in my adult life. I just finished How Long ‘til Black Future Month by N.K. Jemisin. Also cooking different things for my family and using the opportunity to explore different flavors and help them develop their own palate. I’m also involved in mutual aid and enjoy going to the Y, both of which have been extremely grounding and have given me a sense of community.

What’s one of your favorite local businesses?
Coffee and Tea Exchange, Pizza y Pan Pa’Ya, and Timeless Toys