Where do you work?
I’m the cofounder and codirector of Healing to Action (HTA). Our mission is to end gender-based violence by building the leadership and collective power of the communities most impacted. I work with our team to build out our unique model, combining grassroots organizing with healing justice and peer support so survivors have the community they need to thrive and lead. HTA is one of WU!’s partners for the 2020–21 year.

What is one thing you’ve enjoyed about your partnership with Women Unite!?
Besides the excellent work, I love the emotional support WU! provides—we get good work done together but if a ball is dropped or a deadline is late, WU! is the first to say, “It’s a pandemic—don’t be so hard on yourself!” It feels like we are all in this together. And it’s fun to vent about the nonprofit industrial complex :)

What’s an issue you care deeply about?
I care a lot about disability and healing justice. I think these frameworks have so much power to assert our humanity in the face of toxic capitalism and racial violence. I love the way that disability justice looks at radically rebuilding the world, instead of trying to fit people into existing structures that don’t reflect their experiences. And I am inspired by how the healing justice movement is creating accountability for caring for ourselves and each other as an act of political resistance.

What’s a hobby you have?
I wish I had more hobbies. Right now with a toddler and work, my main hobby is collapsing on the couch. Generally I love being in nature. Does that count?

What gives you hope?
Young people fighting for Black lives. Their organizing is so fierce and creative, and I am inspired by them every day.

What are 2–3 ways you’ve been getting through this pandemic?
Taking walks to the lake has been a lifegiver. Some shows that brought me joy are Schitt’s Creek, The Crown, and I May Destroy You. My favorite read was Girl, Woman, Other by Bernadine Evaristo. I enjoyed the podcast Nice White Parents, which explored issues of racial equity in public education. For comfort food, my go-to is Ethiopian Diamond. There is also an awesome pan-Asian takeout spot in Rogers Park called Asian Station.

What’s one of your favorite local Chicago businesses?
Hopewell Brewing—Samantha Lee is one of their co-founders and serves on our board. They have delicious beer and are truly striving to raise workplace standards in the hospitality industry. And WU! of course.