Let’s go back to where it all began…
Welcome to my story
— a journey rooted in curiosity, passion, and action for social impact, and a deep commitment to (re)building systems for wellbeing and equity.
This is where it all started for me.
My journey began with an interest in neuroscience. I am the type of person who dives feet first into my curiosities, so as a junior in highschool, I had the opportunity to work at the National Institutes of Health (NIH), where I delved into the effects of addiction on the brain and at the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) — specifically nicotine and cocaine. Not only did I study and clean brain waves (EEG) data, but I also had the opportunity to support research that allowed me to meet and talk to people struggling with addiction. To this day, I believe this was my first pivotal experience in understanding the humanity and complexity of systemic issues (with addiction being a very real consequence in some communities, particularly in my hometown of Baltimore). This was the first of many experiences that would open my mind, eyes, and heart to understanding systemic issues on a more human level.
This experience, coupled with seeing my peers struggle with mental health (and having experiences of my own), I began to understand more of the nuance of mental health. And more importantly, I realized that deeper systemic action is needed to adequately support individuals heal and maintain mental health. This inspired me to lead a mental health awareness initiative alongside my best friends in high school, which received recognition from the state government for its success. This initiative consequently became an annual tradition and has led to more institutional and financial support toward mental health resources on campus for students. That early experience ignited my passion for creating systemic solutions for wellbeing, a path I've continued to pursue to this day.
In my next chapter, I solidified my belief that…
During my undergraduate studies at Georgetown University’s Walsh School of Foreign Service, I completed a Bachelors of Science in Foreign Service. I majored in Culture & Politics, with a self-designed concentration in Equitable Leadership and Design. With a passion for mental health and neuroscience sparked in my grade school experiences, I also earned a minor in Cognitive Science. My academic path allowed me to explore how our minds and societies are interconnected, and how the systems we create shape our lived experiences. The intersection of global policy, wellbeing, and design became a focal point for me—specifically how we can design systems that not only meet people’s needs but also empower them to thrive.
My first year was disrupted by the COVID-19 global pandemic, and I was then sent home and did not return in person until my third year. During my second year, I poured my energy into student advocacy, joining Georgetown University Student Association (GUSA) as part of their Executive Team. As Director of Student Wellness Policy for GUSA, I oversaw advocacy efforts centered on student physical and emotional health and wellbeing and student safety during a time where that was especially fraught. I learned so much about how to lead with wellbeing in mind and how to fight for systemic support for mental health for young populations.
My most significant achievements included:
Working with Georgetown senior administrators to establish HoyaWell, a free telehealth therapy service for all students, and secured virtual psychiatric services for existing campus resources. I
Developed platforms like Me, Myself, and Mind for students to share identity-based experiences,
Organized town halls to address key issues, including COVID-19 safety, sexual assault prevention, and environmental justice
Change happens when we creatively reimagine and build systems that center on wellbeing, empower marginalized voices, and are responsive to the true needs of the people they serve.
Over the years, my work has spanned diverse fields — from research and project management to storytelling and advocacy — each experience deepening my understanding of the intricate layers of social change.
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Repairing Cycles of Intergenerational Trauma and Harm
At the Red House at Georgetown University, I explored how cycles of trauma ripple through generations and communities, and how systemic changes can lead to long-term, collective wellbeing. This framework guides how I approach systems change and healing at the intersection of policy and practice. This work is in collaboration with The Wellbeing Project.
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Storytelling for Social Change
At The Wellbeing Project, I led storytelling aspects the Ecological Belonging initiative, coordinating global partnerships and creating storytelling strategies to highlight the importance of reconnecting with ourselves, others, and the natural world. Through this work, I’ve helped shape narratives around ecological belonging and intergenerational trauma, blending research and human experience into actionable insights.
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Research for Inclusive Systems Change
With Early Years Leadership Diversity Initiative (EYLDI), I research how leadership outcomes to promote diversity in early childhood education. At FreeState Justice, I developed educational resources to advance LGBTQ+ equity in schools. These have shaped my drive for systems change through research that fosters diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Beyond research and strategy, my heart lies in a passion for hope-making.
Whether it’s through collaborative projects in Rwanda, LGBTQ+ advocacy with FreeState Justice, studying human rights responses with the United Nations, or co-authoring publications on trauma-informed practices, I’ve consistently focused on
the power of community-driven solutions.