What brings you to work at SWOP USA?
After spending the last ten years organizing and the last decade working with sex workers, I knew this was the next best step. I realized that the changes I wanted to see for marginalized sex workers meant big moves and I wanted to be somewhere I could make that happen.
What are you most excited about?
I am incredibly hype, having 3 black executive directors sounds like a dream. We all come from different places and have different experiences to bring to the table. I know we are going to do some amazing things together,
What do you think the biggest areas of growth for the organization are?
SWOP has a reputation for being very white, not being intersectional. Restorative Justice starts with changing the folks who are supposed to represent the people we serve. There are nuanced things that only marginalized people can speak to. It’s really important to me that we start that path the right way and changing the staff is a beautiful first step.
Which of your talents or skills are you most looking forward to utilizing at SWOP?
I love talking to people and after my lived experience as a sex worker, I have a unique viewpoint that will help aid in chapter support. I’m as calm as a kindergarten teacher and sometimes, that’s the only superpower I need.
Where do you hope to see SWOP in 2 years?
In an ideal world, I would love to see more chapters serving rural areas, more chapters in major cities, and teaming up with other nonprofit wizards to expand outreach.
What are three influential books in your life or work?
“Nonviolent Communication: A Language of Life” – Dr. Marshall Rosenberg
“You Can’t Touch My Hair: And Other Things I Still Have to Explain” – Phoebe Robinson
“Unfuck Yourself” – John Bishop
What are you listening to (music, podcasts, etc) or watching (TV, Movies, etc.) right now?
Honestly, my Spotify is embarrassing, DO NOT PASS ME THE AUX CABLE. I listen to everything from Dolly Parton to ScHoolboy Q. At the moment I just finished the new Run the Jewels album (“Out of Sight (feat 2 Chainz)”), I’ve been on a 90s R&B kick (joe, Brian McKnight, Boyz II Men, Brandy, Monica, Mariah, & Whitney). Nina Dioz (“Salsa”)has an incredible album and it’s been on rotation for several weeks.
I watched all of Insecure, I watch these youtube videos of two people building underground pools, I love a good youtube wormhole, Rick & Morty, Boondocks, Tyler Perry movies- so many Tyler Perry Movies, anything silly with a good soundtrack is always a winner.
What does downtime, rejuvenation, self/community-care look for you?
In my downtime, I try to unplug from social media and watch something I don’t have to try very hard to enjoy. I love kicking back outside (after the sun goes down) and watching the sky change colors. I love cooking for the folks in my small town, if I have the privilege of groceries, I’m feeding all the babies.
Any favorite gifs or memes you want to share?
