I’m a multilingual dreamer shaped by movement beyond borders, and someone who enjoys connecting with people whose lived experiences differ from my own. I grew up in City Heights, San Diego, one of the most diverse communities in the county. I’m from East Africa, born in Uganda and have lived in the Congo and Kenya, with roots in Aksum, Ethiopia (paternal), and Jigjiga (maternal). Raised in a multi-ethnic, multi-faith family and reared by strong women who survived war but never lost their softness, song, or dreams. I carry their example into how I move through the world.
My career has been in human services at the intersection of poverty, housing, health, and equity, spanning direct service, advocacy, and grantmaking. At AMRF, I support community partners serving newcomers, Indigenous communities, LGBTQ+ communities and people most impacted by structural barriers and harm. I’ve contributed to system level change through leadership roles, including serving as Chair of Funders Together to End Homelessness San Diego, Board of Directors of the Regional Task Force on Homelessness San Diego and national Funders Together for Housing Justice. I’ve had the privilege of learning from leaders around the world—from social housing in Austria to Afrofuturism in Senegal and drug policy reform in Colombia and Bolivia.
I’m a bridge builder, but I’m not neutral when it comes to dignity, belonging, and self-determination. I’m committed to advancing community-led solutions and working in partnership to shift power and resources to those most impacted. What I enjoy about working at AMRF is that we challenge each other to do the right thing, even when it’s hard, while cultivating joy and creating ease for our community partners.