How Did I Get Here?

I love collaboration. My love for collaboration started in 2016 when I was accepted into an intensive hands-on facilitation program with the Center for Public Deliberation (CPD). The CPD is one of the nation’s thought leaders on “wicked problems,” deliberative democracy, and multi-stakeholder dialogue. During this program, I facilitated public forums, open houses, and focus groups to help cross-sector groups collaborate on city resilience, homelessness, affordable housing, and zoning plans. That experience changed my life.

In 2017, I pursued a Master of Urban and Regional Planning degree from Portland State University with a specialization in community engagement. During my studies, I gained experience in designing and implementing inclusive engagement plans for sustainable land use change. My graduate capstone project, Reside Vancouver: Anti-Displacement Plan became an award winning plan adopted by the City of Vancouver, Washington.

I’ve had the pleasure of working in several local governments, shaping my interests and skill sets in urban and regional planning and community engagement. There have also been several influential organizations I worked with that greatly shifted my perspective, including but not limited to the City Repair Project, Better Block PDX,  Tryon Life Community Farm, and Ag Innovations.  

These organizations are committed to fostering the transformative work that is so urgently needed in the world today. My experience with them has provided me with a rich background in collective action, network building, placemaking, tactical urbanism, democratic process, and collaboration methods – all to support regenerative systems change.