My commitment to LGBTQIA+ advocacy is shaped by the intersectional experiences of my upbringing in New Mexico, a place rich in cultural diversity. Growing up among Indigenous communities, working-class values, and artistic expression instilled in me the importance of standing in solidarity with marginalized groups.

Key Contributions:

• University of the Arts London: I led initiatives to reform policies, advocating for LGBTQIA+ and international students by creating resources and facilitating cultural competency workshops for staff. My goal was to ensure that diverse voices were fully integrated into institutional practices.

• Watney Foundation: As Assistant Director, I strategically allocate grants to support LGBTQIA+ organizations, fostering sustainable partnerships and ensuring their long-term impact.

Volunteerism has been central to my life, rooted in the values of community and solidarity that I gained in New Mexico. Growing up in a region where diverse identities intersect, I learned the importance of community engagement, especially for marginalized groups.

Key Contributions:

• Stepney City Farm, London: At Stepney, I supported adults with disabilities, managed animal care, and helped with farm operations, applying the hands-on values I learned from my agricultural upbringing in a community-focused setting.

• Community Engagement in New Mexico: My upbringing exposed me to the intersections of various identities and cultures, reinforcing the need for intersectional approaches to advocacy. My volunteerism is driven by empathy and the belief that mutual support creates lasting change.

At the Watney Foundation, I translate values into action through grant management and strategic planning, channeling resources to initiatives that foster community and inclusion.

Key Contributions:

• Grant Portfolio Oversight: I manage a diverse range of grants, focusing on LGBTQIA+ visibility and creative projects. My collaborative approach builds strong relationships with grantees to ensure projects are sustainable and impactful.

• Strategic Initiative Development: I contribute to long-term strategies that empower communities to address inequality and achieve their visions for change.

Navigating multiple identities has made me acutely aware of the challenges faced by international and intersectional students. My advocacy focuses on improving access to resources and fostering institutional cultural competency.

Key Contributions:

• Policy Reform and Training: At UAL, I helped develop inclusive policies and facilitated workshops to build cultural competency among staff, ensuring that all students thrive in an equitable academic environment.

• Supporting Intersectional Identities: I advocate for spaces where the complexities of race, gender, and culture are acknowledged and supported, ensuring no student is forced to conform to a singular narrative.