Constant moves during my childhood in a military family bred a desire for connection and inclusion that still drives me today. I immerse myself in the local community and seek to build relationships as well as to experience and understand cultures, systems, history, and most importantly, foods wherever I go. For 20 years I’ve worked for a more inclusive Colorado, in roles that varied from anti-poverty community organizer to marriage equality advocate, English as a Second Language Teacher and more. Metro Caring is not simply a job, but my community and my passion. When I was a kid, my family sometimes turned to organizations like Metro Caring for help, which still fuels my drive to do better by the next generation and ensure all Coloradans can share in our prosperity. Perhaps it was all the years of ramen, government cheese and looking after younger siblings, but two things consistently bring me to tears (of joy): holding babies and delicious food.