Where do you work?
I am the Founder of Beyond the Basics, a consulting firm that tackles anti-blackness and colonialism in the workplace through diversity and inclusion trainings and non-profit organizational reviews I am also an educator at a couple of local colleges in the Chicago area.

How long have you been involved with Women Unite!?
I’m new to WU!’s [2023] team, but I am thrilled to join as a grant writer.

What do you like most about WU!?
WU! supports organizations that are often deprived of money, recognition, and service. I deeply respect and appreciate working for an organization that seeks to bridge gaps in what kind of organizations get funding.

What’s an issue you care deeply about? Why?
I’m a queer, disabled fatty, and honestly, my goal is to do work that dismantles the institutions that keep anti-blackness, queer/transphobia, ableism, and fatphobia powerful. Intersectionality forever.

What’s a hobby you have?
I make collages and zines in my free time! I love collecting old magazines and having fun with my communities.

What gives you hope?
Even when the world is on fire (literally and figuratively) movement making doesn’t stop, love doesn’t stop, community care and mutual aid don’t stop. Communities have heart and as long as they do, the fight continues.

What are 2–3 ways you’ve gotten through the pandemic?
I almost went to culinary school in my early 20s, so I decided to cook through some fundamental cookbooks and watch a lot of cooking related tv! When I’m not cooking, I’m a big fan of playing on my switch and somehow losing to my nephews at Minecraft.

Fun/random fact you want to share?
I have a cheeseburger tattooed on me! It’s one of my favorite tattoos.

What’s one of your favorite local Chicago businesses?
Chucherías in Humboldt Park is owned by a Puerto Rican mom who makes incredible baked goods. If you stop in, get a quesito with guava 10/10.