Let me introduce myself
I am committed to bringing people together. My life and work experience have made me skilled in listening — I know how to make people feel seen and heard because I genuinely care.
Commitment to Service
I dedicate my life to helping shape a better world. I grew up Catholic and was influenced by social justice teachings and Liberation Theology. I sought to serve early in life.
My grandfather was the first mayor of our small Missouri town, and we volunteered at the fundraisers he and my grandmother organized for local charities. They modeled the values of kindness and generosity in how they led and served the community.
DEDICATION TO SOCIAL JUSTICE
At the start of my career, I received an opportunity to work with women building their lives after incarceration. I became an advocate for alternative sentencing for non-violent offenders.
I became involved in marketing and development roles with nonprofit organizations that uplift women and serve children.
This background shaped my understanding of the interlocking systems of injustice, and it’s the basis for all other work that followed.
Today, I’m involved with organizations that uplift women, address climate change, and offer services to LGBTQ youth. I’m privileged to be involved with organizations like Commonweal, Act Like a GRRRL, the Los Angeles LGBT Center, the Omega Institute, the National Council for Geocosmic Research (where I serve as Outreach Director), and more.
Business owner
I started my own business in 2006 and built it from the ground up while working a full-time job for several years. I understand the needs of small business owners, and I’m a tireless worker.
I’ve worked with people from diverse backgrounds — teachers, artists, therapists, CEOs, diplomats, actors, musicians, authors, and more. I became a master at relationships, and I will bring this experience to the Ojai City Council, should I be elected. I often work with people going through tough times of transition. I’ve learned to listen without judgment and help clients navigate a path toward successful outcomes. I also work with companies as a strategic consultant. I’ve helped businesses grow and thrive.
DIVERSITY AND INCLUSION
As a lesbian, I know firsthand how it feels to be a target for intolerance and hate. I will do all I can to make Ojai a place where all belong. I’ve had extensive training in how to build more diverse, inclusive communities, including workshops like AWARE-LA and Undoing Racism. I’ve also been a part of the Omega Institute’s Women’s Leadership Intensive.
My graduate work in theology focused on ethics, and I wrote my thesis on how we can reimagine systems of power to build a more just and equal world.
Career Highlights
1998-2002 Freelance Production Manager / Producer
2002 - Stories of Hope published, chronicling the lives of formerly incarcerated women.
2002-2010 - Involved in Development and Marketing for nonprofit organizations. Helped raise millions for charitable organizations. Helped with advocacy efforts for laws uplifting women and children. Taught sexual assault awareness in schools as a volunteer.
2006 - Started my consulting business.
2010 - Marketing Director for Project Artisan, a socially responsible fashion company.
2012 - Co-led an international exchange with Act Like a GRRRL.
2013 - Became an internationally recognized speaker. Since then, I’ve spoken at conferences, led workshops, and taught classes worldwide.
2013 - Received a grant to study gender and justice in Europe.
2013 - Served on the planning committee for a restorative justice conference at Loyola Marymount University, under the leadership of Jonathan Rothchild, Ph.D.
2014 - Studied with the Maori in New Zealand through a program at Loyola Marymount University. Learned about responses to Colonialism and the integration of spiritual practices and cultures.
2014 - Graduated with my MA in theology from Loyola Marymount University, emphasis on ethics.
2016 - Began my involvement with the Omega Institute and writing for other publications.
2019 - Participated in AWARE-LA and Undoing Racism, became involved in anti-racism activism.
2021 - Participated in the Omega Women’s Leadership Intensive.
2021 - Modern Day Magic: 8 Simple Rules to Realize Your Power and Shape Your Life published.
Pictured above is my wife, Tisha Morris, an entertainment attorney and author. In the photo to the right, meet Dove, our rescue dog. We also have two cats, Eli and Norah.
You’ll frequently see us walking Dove at Daly Park and handing out fruit from our prolific trees. Stop and say hi sometime!