I was raised in communities of women. My late mom was a midwife. This was not simply her job, it was a huge part of who she was. In many cultures birth is treated as extraordinarily sacred and my mom was invited into many families and communities as the midwife, shepherding new babies into the world. Her clients were not simply clients but became friends, our family welcomed into theirs and into their communities. I grew up seeing the power and strength that comes from women being in community with one another and, generally, the power and beauty of community. 

Both of my parents were deeply committed to social justice. I grew up inside the hub of the American Indian Movement, going to protests, and among conversations about justice and equity. Both of my parents, white, middle-class, from the Detroit suburbs had an awakening of political activism; a commitment to fight for justice and equity, always.

Pulling from both of those experiences - a love of community and commitment to social justice - I went on to work in the nonprofit world for sixteen years in a variety of roles but always being pulled back into creating unique gatherings and events that built community around important causes. Eventually, I left my job to start Gather Collective and REIGN. One of the most profound experiences I’ve had is taking that leap and feeling in alignment with my purpose more than ever before.