Projects

I seek out projects that allow me to build from scratch, collaborate across disciplines and make an impact. Here are a few things I’ve helped bring to life.

 

@TeamAOC

After volunteering in support of Congresswoman Ocasio-Cortez’s campaign during the 2020 election cycle, I was tapped to help launch @TeamAOC: an online home for progressive organizing efforts in New York City and beyond. I launched and maintained the @TeamAOC accounts on Instagram & Twitter through November 2022, created the content strategy and management system, wrote copy, designed graphics, and covered events — all with the purpose of making progressive policies more engaging and accessible.

Astoria at Home Cookbook

One of the personal projects I’m most proud of is Astoria at Home, a digital cookbook featuring beloved recipes from local restaurants in my neighborhood in Queens. When the pandemic shuttered businesses across New York City, I wanted to find a way to channel my skills towards something helpful. I organized a group of neighbors and directed all elements of the project, including strategy, community outreach, copy editing, promotion, and design direction. To date, sales of the cookbook have raised more than $17,000 for the Astoria Food Pantry.

Press coverage:

🔗 You can now download recipes from some of Astoria's best restaurants, Time Out NY

 
 

#GirlsGetLoud

International Day of the Girl (DOTG) is a huge holiday for girls’ education organizations, but it shares the calendar with at least two other important observance days. When She’s the First was looking for a way to stand out online for DOTG 2020, I created the #GirlsGetLoud campaign. The campaign paired girls from around the world with brand accounts and celebrities (including Brooke Shields, Demi Moore, Jameela Jamil, Monique Coleman, and Lynda Carter) for day-long Instagram takeovers that put girls’ voices front and center.

STF Campus

While completing my degree at the University of Tennessee, I worked with She’s the First to launch a campus chapter program that developed student leaders while raising awareness and funds for the organization. I created the technical and volunteer infrastructure to support the program, developed resources and training materials, and directed all elements of the student learning experience. From 2012-2015, I scaled the program from 30 to 250+ high school and college chapters in 10 countries. These campus chapters continue to be the organization’s largest advocacy program and a steady source of revenue today.

 

Event Production

I’m a comprehensive event producer with a decade+ of experience leading strategy, content design, attendee experience, budget management, and more — with a healthy dose of color-coded spreadsheets to keep everything running smoothly. Below is a sampling of the events I am most proud of.

The Power Party

In 2021, I co-directed and produced an hour-long awards ceremony to honor members of the She’s the First community who helped to move the organization forward during the first two years of the pandemic. To give the virtual event a little extra sparkle, I secured celebrity guests and performers, including Anna Wintour, June Diane Raphael, and Amanda Gorman to participate alongside our powerhouse girl honorees. Watch the full event here!

STF Summit

I planned the very first She’s the First Summit for student leaders while I was still a student myself and served as the lead producer of the annual event from 2012-2019. The inaugural event welcomed 35 students to New York City for two days of workshops, panel discussions, and group bonding for STF’s most passionate supporters. Over the years, the event grew to span three days for 300+ attendees with keynote speakers, multi-track breakout sessions, an awards ceremony, and more.

Press coverage:

🔗 How to be an activist for causes you believe in, NBC News
🔗 Is it cool for companies to use feminism to get us to shop?, Glamour

 
 

10th Birthday Bash

In 2019, I had the honor of concepting and producing the 10th anniversary event for She’s the First – an unconventional fundraising night that welcomed 400 guests and raised more than $300,000. The Birthday Bash featured performances from award-winning poet Sarah Kay, and musical performances from singer/songwriter Grace Kelly and Broadway stars Ayanna George and Desi Oakley.

Press coverage:

🔗 She's the First celebrated a decade of girl power, Vogue
🔗 She's the First puts girls first, Forbes

Conferences & Workshops

Conferences are my jam. Here are a few more:

  • STF Week of Action, 2021: Virtual

  • Girls First Summit, 2019: Nairobi, Kenya

  • Girls First Summit, 2018: Nairobi, Kenya

  • STF Fellowship Retreat, 2018: Antigua, Guatemala

  • Girls First Summit, 2017: Nairobi, Kenya

  • STF West Coast Retreat, 2017: Los Angeles, US

Community Gatherings

I’ve done a whole lot of event production in my professional life, but gathering and hosting is something I take very seriously in my personal life as well. It brings me tremendous joy to bring my community together in memorable ways, to celebrate their milestones, and to be the go-to person when someone in my life is planning a party. I strive to gather people with care, purpose, and tremendous attention to the human element of event design. My official credits include:

  • Three destination bachelorette weekends, two baby showers, one rehearsal dinner

  • A very cute book launch party with an inclusive menu for an array of dietary restrictions

  • My Grandmother’s 90th birthday celebration for 35 of her closest friends and family members

  • Day-of coordination for a handful of friends’ and friends-of-friends’ weddings

  • My annual Thanksgiving dinner and New Year’s Day brunch (you’re invited!)