I have been involved in formal advocacy and diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts since 2005, although being an advocate has long been central to who I am as a person. To be invested in advocacy is to be invested and health and well-being of everyone. I aim to create and support efforts at education, mentoring, research, and direct intervention. My work has been in a range of areas: race and racism, sexual assault and rape, women and gender, LGBTQ+, organizational and social policy, and the intersections of those areas.
Examples of my work in these areas are below.
Examples of my work in these areas are below.
Key Representative Positions
- Founder/Director of Support Ella Baker Day (for more information, please read more at the bottom of this page)
- Anti-harassment committee member, Society for the Study of Social Problems, 2020-2023.
- TEDx Talk, “Understanding Our Roots: White Supremacy is More Than the KKK” TEDx WCC, Valhalla, New York, 2017.
- Program Chair, Association for Humanist Sociology Annual Meeting, 2017-2018
- Founder/Director of Continuing College.org (non-profit operated from 2011-2017)
- Diversity & Advocacy Events Coordinator, University of Virginia Women's Center, 2010-2012.
- Advisor, Queer and Allied Activism at University of Virginia, 2006-2012
- Take Back the Night Keynote Speaker, Manhattanville College - 2022, Coastal Carolina University - 2014, and University of Virginia - 2009.
Samples of Previous Work
*For a comprehensive list of work, please see my CV under "Learn More"
- Guest Lecture, “How to Become an Accomplice in Anti-Racism and Not Just An Ally to a Non-White Person” Hosted by Manhattanville Center for Inclusion, 2022.
- Panelist, “#MeTooPhD: Addressing Sexual Violence In and Through Sociology.” American Sociological Association Annual Meeting. Philadelphia, PA, 2018.
- Keynote Speaker. “Microaggressions & Structural Racism” for Hendrix Microaggressions and Microaffirmations Project” Conway, AR: Hendrix College, 2018.
- Presider, “Challenging and Resisting Heteropatriarchy.” Association for Humanist Sociology Annual Meeting. Havana, Cuba, 2017.
- Panelist, “Moving Toward Transformative Sociology – Creating Activist Mentoring”Association for Humanist Sociology Annual Meeting. Denver, CO, 2016.
- Panelist, “What Baltimore and Charleston Tell Us About U.S. Race Relations.” Valiant Week, Manhattanville College, 2015.
- Lecture/Workshop, “Basics of Community Organizing and Campaign Planning,” Social Justice Research Initiative Organizing Series, Coastal Carolina University, 2014.
- Panelist, “Beyond Black History Month,” College of Charleston, 2013.
- Commencement Speaker, LGBTQ Lavender Graduation, University of Virginia, 2011.
- Organizer:"Realizing Education for All Can Happen" & "Building Unity." Women's Leadership Conference. Eau Claire, WI, 2005.
Support Ella Baker Day
Who is Ella Baker
&
What is Ella Baker Day?
Ella Baker was a Civil Rights Movement era activist who worked with notable organizations such as SNCC, NAACP, and SCLC. She believed the movement was an important force, not just for the freedom of black people, but for all people. Baker said “Even if segregation is gone, we will still need to be free; we will still have to see that everyone has a job. Even if we can all vote, but if people are still hungry, we will not be free…Singing alone is not enough; we need schools and learning…Remember, we are not fighting for the freedom of the Negro alone, but for the freedom of the human spirit, a larger freedom that encompasses all of mankind.”
The first Ella Baker Day Campaign was created in Virginia in response to then Governor Bob McDonnell's declaration of April as Confederate History Month, who stated the “people of Virginia joined the Confederate States of America in a four year war between the states for independence.” The Governor did not initially recognize plantation slavery in his declaration to recognize Confederate History Month. Confederate History Month is annually honored by six states, Confederate Memorial Day is celebrated in seven states and there are additional holidays in honor of Confederate Leaders, Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and Stonewall Jackson.
These holidays honor the confederacy and those who defended plantation slavery while at the same time failing to honor the contributions of people of color and specifically women of color. Thus, a day in honor of Ella Baker would not only bring much needed attention to the contributions of women and women of color, but it would also recognize Baker as one of this nation's greatest activists who worked tirelessly to better the living conditions and opportunities for those less fortunate. So to honor that spirit and keep Baker’s legacy alive, we ask you to Support Ella Baker Day! Sign the Petition, Start a Campaign in Your State, Spread the Word!
The first Ella Baker Day Campaign was created in Virginia in response to then Governor Bob McDonnell's declaration of April as Confederate History Month, who stated the “people of Virginia joined the Confederate States of America in a four year war between the states for independence.” The Governor did not initially recognize plantation slavery in his declaration to recognize Confederate History Month. Confederate History Month is annually honored by six states, Confederate Memorial Day is celebrated in seven states and there are additional holidays in honor of Confederate Leaders, Robert E. Lee, Jefferson Davis, and Stonewall Jackson.
These holidays honor the confederacy and those who defended plantation slavery while at the same time failing to honor the contributions of people of color and specifically women of color. Thus, a day in honor of Ella Baker would not only bring much needed attention to the contributions of women and women of color, but it would also recognize Baker as one of this nation's greatest activists who worked tirelessly to better the living conditions and opportunities for those less fortunate. So to honor that spirit and keep Baker’s legacy alive, we ask you to Support Ella Baker Day! Sign the Petition, Start a Campaign in Your State, Spread the Word!