Connecting people, building what comes next.

For more than 15 years, I've worked across public education, state government, policy, campaigns, and community engagement. Throughout it all, I've focused on bringing people together, building trust, and helping communities find ways forward.

The expereince behind Taal

State Government
As Community Engagement Manager in the Oregon Governor's Office Racial Justice and Equity Department, I helped connect community members with the state during crises involving SNAP, immigration, housing, and mental health.

I also built trusted relationships with community leaders and advocacy organizations across Oregon. These connections created opportunities for community voices to inform state decisions and responses.

Campaigns
As Campaign Manager for a Multnomah County judicial campaign, I led strategy, community outreach, volunteer engagement, and events. I also managed fundraising efforts under tight deadlines.

The work required building relationships quickly and coordinating people around a shared goal. It also meant adapting strategy as needs changed.

Policy + Community Partnerships
Through my work with Fifth Element Community Development + Consulting, I've connected policy and community perspectives. I've facilitated listening sessions between elected officials and community partners. My work has also included policy research, community impact analysis, and support for justice-centered programs with state agencies and local organizations.

The goal is always to make sure community insight has somewhere to go.

Education
For more than a decade, I worked in public education in Illinois and Oregon, teaching general education and Emerging Multilingual Learners.

My students and their families came from many language backgrounds. Some were also navigating homelessness and basic-needs insecurity. Those experiences taught me how to listen closely, respond to changing needs, and build trust across differences.

How we can work together

Every project is different, but the work often takes shape in a few key ways. We can start with what you’re navigating and build the right approach from there.

Multiple hands wearing traditional jewelry gathered around a red basin outdoors.

  • Connecting communities, organizations, and decision-makers while helping partnerships and coalitions grow on a foundation of trust. This can include relationship strategy, coalition support, stakeholder engagement, and helping groups navigate differences around shared goals.

  • Designing and leading engagement that helps people feel truly heard, from listening sessions and community gatherings to retreats, outreach, and difficult dialogues. I can support the process from beginning to end. That might mean shaping the approach, inviting participation, facilitating the room, or making sense of what people share.

  • Turning what communities share into action through people-centered strategy, equity work, research, planning, and culturally grounded initiatives and events. The goal is to move from insight to clear next steps without losing sight of the people most affected.

Have something in mind?

Tell me a little about what you're working on, exploring, or trying to figure out. We can start with a conversation.