It was in those moments that I first recognized the power of storytelling. Stories shape how we understand people, experiences, and the world around us. They invite us to see life through others' eyes, building empathy, creating connection, and sometimes even shaping how our minds perceive people and situations. Those conversations with my grandfather taught me that storytelling is more than just sharing information – it's a practice that helps people feel seen, understood, and connected to something larger than themselves.

These moments sparked my curiosity about what shapes people’s behavior, leading me to earn my A.A. in Social and Behavioral Sciences at Santa Monica College. It was my deep appreciation for storytelling that inspired me to pursue my B.S. in Film, Media, and Social Justice at Mount St. Mary’s University. Through my studies, I developed the analytical and creative skills needed to interpret the various elements that go into crafting impactful stories that are both visually captivating and emotionally resonant. I was especially moved by the power of storytelling in social justice movements, and I knew early on that I wanted my storytelling efforts to help make an impact in the social justice space. 

Early in my career, I worked as a Producer at a boutique creative agency, managing client relationships, developing project proposals and budgets, and leading creative teams across video, print, and web projects. This experience not only helped me grasp the business side of launching a creative project but also taught me the intricacies of managing people and teams with diverse skill sets, creating environments that enable skilled creatives to produce high-quality work. 

After developing a solid foundation in storytelling, digital marketing, and project management, I transitioned to the non-profit sector, where I had more opportunities to do social justice-focused work. I found my calling in strategic communications, where I worked alongside community organizers, research and policy experts, city leaders, and advocates across Los Angeles and the Bay Area to change the trajectory of low-income Black and Brown students by shaping education policies. I practiced intentional listening and worked with the people most impacted by systemic issues, and created a blueprint for how strategic communications can contribute to campaign wins within the organization, Innovate Public Schools. 

My work at Innovate reinforced the power of connecting through stories. Being bilingual in English and Spanish allowed me to connect with folks who often felt misunderstood or feared being misrepresented. I built trusting relationships with people who were used to being silenced, and I gave them the tools to confidently tell their stories in house meetings, community events, press conferences, and in interviews with the press and media. I wanted to grow these skills beyond the education space, which inspired me to become a consultant who could tap into various issue areas in the social justice sector. 

Most recently, I've focused my work in the criminal justice space, partnering with organizations including Project Protocol, Creative Acts, Initiate Justice, and the Los Angeles Public Library to help reshape narratives about system-impacted communities. Through these collaborations, I've contributed to projects that center the voices and experiences of people impacted by incarceration, creating communications and resources that help individuals feel seen, access trusted information, and know their stories are represented with dignity and respect.

Looking back, I realize those days spent listening to my grandfather shaped far more than my love of storytelling; they shaped how I approach every project. Whether I'm developing a communications strategy, building a campaign, or helping someone share their story, my goal remains the same: to help people feel seen, understood, and represented with care.