What accomplishment here are you most proud of?
I’m most proud of the way I’ve been able to support advocates and strengthen how we think about housing, not just as a service, but as a critical part of survivor autonomy and safety. I’m also really proud of the partnerships I’ve been able to build with organizations along the way. Being able to connect people, collaborate, and create something bigger than what any of us could do alone has been incredibly meaningful. And something that has always been important to me is making sure underserved communities are at the forefront of our work, not as an afterthought, but as a priority. Making space for those voices, needs, and experiences to be centered is something I’ll always carry with me. Creating spaces for learning, honest conversation, and growth has meant so much to me, and it’s something I’m really grateful to have been a part of.
How do you think you’ve changed since you started this job?
I feel like I’ve really changed in the sense that I’ve grown more confident in my voice and my perspective. I’ve learned how important it is to show up as my full, authentic self, unapologetically. I trust what I know a lot more now, and I’m not as quick to second-guess myself. I’ve learned to speak up, share my thoughts, and be okay with taking up space because I deserve to be in those rooms just as much as anyone else. And I think that confidence didn’t just happen, it came from doing the work, building relationships, and realizing that my voice actually matters.
What snack, habit, or routine got you through long meetings or travel days?
A routine that really got me through long meetings or travel? Breathing exercises LOL IYKYK, but honestly, it was all about carving out little pockets of time to decompress, depending on the day. Sometimes that meant putting my phone on DND and just letting my body rest, listening to one of my own playlists, or hanging out with staff after work and grabbing a bite and talking about anything but work.
What’s one memory from working together that you’ll never forget?
There’s honestly no way I could pick just one memory from six years at WVCADV, but I will say that staff meetings, membership meetings, and advocate retreats will always hold a special place in my heart. There was never a moment we weren’t laughing (usually at my jokes or my facial expressions), goofing around, or just being silly together. If I had to pick one memory I’ll never forget… it’s just one word: LOUD 🙂
If this job had a theme song, what would it be?
LOVE this question!! I’ve found myself listening to Strength Courage and Wisdom by India Arie on repeat lately (go ahead and add it to your playlist now – thank me later)… The overall theme of this song is recognizing your own strength, embracing your full potential, and showing up authentically. It feels especially meaningful for both advocates and survivors because advocacy isn’t just about responding to a crisis, it’s about creating a safe space for survivors to heal, feel safe, rebuild, and recognize their own power that was once stripped from them. The song is a true reminder that everything needed to heal already exists within.
What are you most excited about in this next chapter?
Working at a national level doing this kind of work has always been something I’ve aimed for, so stepping into this role feels really exciting. I’m looking forward to being challenged, learning new things, and connecting with people who are doing similar work. I’m ready for the growth that comes with it, both in my career and in my life overall. It feels like the right next step, something that pushes me while still keeping me connected to the work I really care about.
What’s something you learned here that will stay with you no matter where life takes you?
In this line of work, we often use the phrase “meeting people where they are,” and that phrase has really stuck with me over the 12 years I’ve been doing this. It sounds simple, but when I first started as a new advocate, it was actually pretty hard. I’m still learning, and will keep learning, that meeting people where they are, with empathy and without judgment, is incredibly powerful. Even small, intentional actions can make a lasting difference.
What’s one piece of advice you’d like to leave for advocates continuing this work?
Trust survivors. Trust yourself. Remember that how you show up matters just as much as what you do. Make good trouble. 🙂
When you think about your time here years from now, what do you hope you’ll remember most?
When I think about my time here years from now, I hope I’ll remember the connections I’ve made that go beyond just work, the laughter we’ve shared, and the way we’ve lifted each other up. I hope I’ll remember the moments of impact both big and small that reminded me I was part of something bigger than myself. The victories, the challenges we navigated together, and the ways we centered survivors and underserved communities in everything we did. Most of all, I hope I’ll remember the growth of how this place shaped me, pushed me, and showed me what it truly means to show up for others while staying true to myself. Those memories, the lessons, and the people will always stay with me.
