A History

Growing up in Central California, and after some time on the East Coast studying at Brown University, I've called Southern California home since 2011. From a young age, a passion for social justice began what has grown to be over a decade of non-profit work. Beginning as a Community Organizer when I was 15, I worked on local, state, and national campaigns and trainings specializing in the youth empowerment and safer schools movement - coordinating not only many people but also many moving pieces. I gained an invaluable foundation of knowledge of which I regularly call on today. 

A thirst for learning saw a shift in my focus from grassroots organizing to the board room where I had the pleasure of serving on the board of directors for Gay Straight Alliance (GSA) Network, a national organization focusing on safer schools and youth empowerment. My time with GSA Network saw it's annual budget grow to over a million dollars. In 2005 I received the Gay Lesbian Straight Education Network (GLSEN) National Respect award for my work on their national youth leadership team.

While studying at Brown University I served on the board of directors of Equity Action with the Rhode Island Foundation overseeing funding of LGBT services and organizations thru annual grants. 

While in San Diego I've had the distinct pleasure of working with San Diego LGBT Pride since 2011, whose block party, parade and 3 day festival located in beautiful Balboa Park is San Diego City's largest civic event generating a revenue of over $1,000,000. In 2012 as their Entertainment and Special Events Manager, my department was responsible for booking talent, budget oversight, contract fulfillment, and managing a team of over 75 volunteers. Since 2013, I’ve served as their Artist Liaison Manager, coordinating travel, hospitality and accommodations for over 100 artists including top tier talent.

Utilizing many of the skills and principles from my nonprofit experience and a background in health care I've been able to operate within the for-profit world. Relocating to California also saw a return to my family’s Psychology Corporation - growing from a single office in my hometown of Fresno to now over 8 treatment sites throughout Central and Southern California. Overseeing Operations I was responsible for maintaining treatment sites, scheduling, billing and collections, as well as day to day staff support.

Since 2016 I’ve served as the COO of a manufacturing firm producing specialty fertilizer for the cannabis industry. Building on rapid success and growth, I brought 10 items from concept to market in my first 15 months, while establishing production and quality standards for over 60 SKUs in our 15,000 sq. ft. manufacturing facility. Implementing new technologies, I was responsible for growing and managing our team ranging from warehouse associates to sales directors as well as independent contractors both domestic and abroad.

With a solid history of operational support and development I believe there's a perspective and element that I can add to your organization.