Where do you work?
I am a Program Associate at VentureWell on our Federal Team, managing Lab to Market cohorts.

How long have you been involved with Women Unite!?
I’m a proud member of the Board of Directors having joined in March 2021.

What do you like most about WU!?
I love the ecosystem that WU! is building in Chicago for women-run and women-owned nonprofit organizations. I am also floored by the amazing talent and services the WU! team provides.

What’s an issue you care deeply about and why?
I wish I had just one! I am currently very passionate about supporting and advocating for Black women and womxn rights. For clarification on my use of “womxn,” I use it as a catch all term to include cis, trans, and nonbinary folks. I am also very passionate about supporting Black homeowners and businesses in Garfield Park, the community I grew up in.

What’s a hobby you have?
Video games! I love playing simulation and open world games and watching others play horror games because I’m too scared to play them on my own.

What gives you hope?
My community. I’m surrounded by beautiful people doing meaningful work and sharing valuable resources for personal, professional, and societal growth.

What are 2–3 ways you’ve been getting through this pandemic?
My folding stationary bike coupled with the Peloton app and apps like Hoopla and Libby that allow me to check out digital items from the library.

Fun/random fact you want to share?
I used to love writing stories and poetry. It’s a lost art that I’m trying to reintroduce in my life.

What’s one of your favorite local businesses?
Brew Brew in Avondale. It’s a cozy family owned modern Mexican café located on Diversey. They have a seriously delicious vegan breakfast sandwich called Baja Sunrise Torta!