About
As co-founder and Director of Communications of the grassroots housing advocacy group YIMBYs of Northern Virginia, member of Arlington's Transportation Commission, frequent volunteer at local charities, and a former candidate for Arlington County Board, my heart and soul are in Arlington’s continued prosperity and safety.
I am a veteran of the Air Force Reserves as a civil engineer with a deployment to Afghanistan.I’ve lived both sides of law enforcement: not only as a communications consultant working alongside police and other first responders for almost a decade, but also incarcerated in county jail when I was 20 years old.Before moving to Arlington 10 years ago, I had been homeless – twice! – including during DC’s 'Snowmageddon' winter of 2009-'10.
Storyteller
With two decades of experience in writing, media production, and public communications, I tell genuine and engaging stories to inform and persuade. I have helped companies, government agencies, and advocacy organizations develop their brand image and connect with media outlets to advance their mission.
Visual storytelling is a critical component to build strong relationships with partners, policymakers, donors, volunteers, and the public.
Advocate
We face a housing crisis. As a co-founder and leader, I helped transform YIMBYs of Northern Virginia into a powerful local housing advocacy organization. We champion multifamily housing (including Missing Middle) to address the affordability crisis through grassroots organizing, media engagement, and supporting pro-housing candidates.
We also face a crisis of democracy and public trust. I have long advocated for Ranked Choice Voting, budget transparency, safer streets to meet VisionZero goals, and Restorative Justice programs that address the real roots of many crimes.
Veteran
During my military service in the U.S. Air Force Reserve, I constructed and maintained government facilities utilizing my training in carpentry, roofing, masonry, and welding.
I also participated in a charity program through the military to build housing for adults with developmental disabilities.
During a 2011 deployment to Afghanistan, I developed daily risk assessments for commanders and led small teams to construct military barracks in conflict zones.
Seeking a Future in Nonprofits
Drawing on two decades as a corporate communications manager, media producer, and community advocate, I am transitioning to the nonprofit sector to advance innovative policy solutions and strengthen local communities. My goal is to help nonprofits during these uncertain times by aligning outreach efforts to fundraising goals, developing strong relationships with partners using genuine storytelling, and improving efficiency using automated production workflows.
Candidate
Being deeply involved in local civic organizations and policy efforts in Arlington County for many years culminated in a campaign for County Board to advocate for housing affordability, criminal justice, safer streets, and ranked choice voting while earning multiple endorsements. Despite not winning the election, I continue my commitment to community improvement through ongoing advocacy.
Volunteer
Due to my own life experiences, including homelessness and incarceration, I actively volunteer with local charities. I support Bridges to Independence, an excellent homeless shelter, and help maintain the Friends of the Mount Vernon Trail, a gem of Northern Virginia. Additionally, I participate in trash cleanups with EcoAction Arlington and organized the adoption of a neighborhood park.
What I'm Reading
As an avid reader I'm usually juggling a handful of books on my Kindle.
Most of my reading is non-fiction such as history, economics, business/project management, and biographies (rarely autobiographies since I feel they are often written with self-interested narratives).
When I venture outside of "the real world" it's into science fiction, which I credit for expanding my worldview of social progress and the human condition just as much as non-fiction.