I have held a passion for building diverse relationships, engaging in community advocacy, and contributing to systemic change for 20 years. I'm excited about what possibilities lie ahead in the next 20 years!
CURRENT PROJECT
Member, Child and Family Well-Being Task Force
I'm excited to sit on a task force team of 30+ community advocates who are addressing childhood well-being in Whatcom County. I work with a group who is invested in increasing family involvement in seeking county-wide solutions to challenges that families face. Right now we're recommending ways to fully integrate parents, caregivers, and stakeholders from under-represented communities (specifically BIPOC
families) into county committees and work groups.
families) into county committees and work groups.
PAST PROJECTS
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Family Champion, Generations Forward
Generations Forward is a collective of families, agencies, and educators who are dedicated to improving the well-being of all families in Whatcom County. Since October 2018, I connected with families to identify needs for support, co-facilitated quarterly meetings, and formed a family leadership group that drives initiatives and policies. My favorite part of this work involved engaging in courageous conversations about race with parents and children.
I now enjoy being part of the family council as our fearless new champions, Keith Montoya, Stevona Burks, and Johni Gibson lead this work.
Interested in learning more? Contact Em Bigongiari to chat over a cup of tea! She's awesome.
Special thanks to Whatcom County Health Department and Opportunity Council for leading this work!
Generations Forward is a collective of families, agencies, and educators who are dedicated to improving the well-being of all families in Whatcom County. Since October 2018, I connected with families to identify needs for support, co-facilitated quarterly meetings, and formed a family leadership group that drives initiatives and policies. My favorite part of this work involved engaging in courageous conversations about race with parents and children.
I now enjoy being part of the family council as our fearless new champions, Keith Montoya, Stevona Burks, and Johni Gibson lead this work.
Interested in learning more? Contact Em Bigongiari to chat over a cup of tea! She's awesome.
Special thanks to Whatcom County Health Department and Opportunity Council for leading this work!
REACH Facilitator
REACH (Respecting Ethnic & Cultural Heritage) is committed to systemic social change and the development of schools and communities which honor and value human diversity. Co-facilitating REACH workshops was such an incredible opportunity to engage in courageous conversations. Some of the outcomes of attending these workshops include:
REACH (Respecting Ethnic & Cultural Heritage) is committed to systemic social change and the development of schools and communities which honor and value human diversity. Co-facilitating REACH workshops was such an incredible opportunity to engage in courageous conversations. Some of the outcomes of attending these workshops include:
- Connecting with current concepts, resources and information
- Gaining an increase in cultural self-awareness and understanding
- Examining the basic components and the historical, institutional power of the "isms" -racism, sexism, elitism, etc.
- Engaging in cross-cultural learning activities
Ready to continue your equity, diversity, and belonging co-learning? Contact my co-facilitation partner Julie Mauermann to learn more!
FUTURE POSSIBILITIES
Are you excited about using your creativity and imagination to explore a new project or program? I'm here to listen to your ideas! Let's talk.