About Me

My activism began as a youth in Iowa, where I witnessed  the environmental devastation to soil and water caused by factory farms and pesticide-intensive grain production. Also at a young age, the anti-globalization movement exposed me to the global injustices driven by white supremacist capitalism and also to the inspiring power and joy of people in movement together. I found hope and momentum through the mentorship of organizers within that movement. Since then I have been dedicated to bringing people together, building the connections that I believe are the building blocks for real change.

 

In my professional life I have worked primarily on campaigns for food justice, public health, worker rights, and environmental protection. I was also trained by and trained alongside the Catalyst Project – bringing antiracist analysis and organizing skills to white social justice activists through the Anne Braden Program. I have worked with small grassroots organizations and have also held leadership positions within larger nonprofits, handling communications, fundraising, budget and management.

 

My experience within these organizations has led me to my current focus on planning and process. While I love a good media moment or a flashy tactic, the place I feel most valuable is inside a group, finding connection and alignment. Working out a new strategic plan within a diverse group can be overwhelming. But with a straightforward and transparent process, I have helped groups find new leaps in their analysis, build alignment and momentum for their goals, and better integrate anti-oppressive values into their work in the world and their work environment.

 

When I’m not creating agendas for joyful planning sessions, I am caring for my two awesome kids, cooking, reading, and/or enjoying the outdoors in and near Minneapolis (Dakota homeland).