Candidate Responses

Self-Nominated

Please summarize the reasons you are submitting this nomination
As my hero is social justice, Bayard Rustin, would say: “I believe in social dislocation and creative trouble.” The human experience is wrought with trauma, and we as leaders of humans have the capacity to use our platform to usher people from the weight of their trauma into a safer space. For the last decade, I have been an advocate of human rights and the empowerment of marginalized people. I organized CA union workers and local groups to build better spaces for their own growth and development, and am uniquely qualified to understand the art of developing individuals into leaders for the sake of the workplace, community, and their best self. I wholeheartedly recognized that the proof of my work was in the empowered minds of my peers and whatever brave space they may find themselves in because of contribution to their journey. Creative trouble was a encouraged, and it is my duty to continue to compassionately and empathetically give heart and hands where I can.

In my work with Alternatives to Domestic Violence, I have narrowed my focus on the human condition even further by recognizing that social dislocation includes advocacy for the community of those too silenced to feel connection. I am a survivor of abuse, and am blessed to do work that allows me to make good of past trauma. But more so, I am blessed to be a positioned to give voice to those who may not have the luxury to speak. As Program Director, I over see the advocacy efforts and creative initiatives to give space to victims, survivors and advocates to walk in their best light. In this role, I can call upon my experience and passion to demonstrate a personable and hands-on approach of creative thinking, sound listening, and outcomes-based action for their sake. I am committed to this work, and with my flavor of engagement, I have organized and inspired leaders to win personally and professionally. It would be a pleasure to offer you this approach to empower and represent the allies, victims and motivations of the Partnership.

I am submitting this nomination because I want to represent my community and my organization, and to be an example for good.

Describe this nominee’s participation in the Partnership’s regional networks, policy committees, peer learning circles and other components of our Membership community
I am new to Partnership as I have only been with ADV for less than a year. But I am familiar with its campaigns and strategies, and my values are in alignment with its mission. In October 2020, I organized a virtual townhall  on the COVID 19 Pandemic and its impact on the DV Community, and the Partnership’s own Jacquie Marroquin was kind enough to be a panelist. The goal was to bring attention to the prevalence of Domestic Violence during the COVID 19 pandemic, and engage community leaders (like Jacquie) to broaden the platform on community programs and victim services. We discussed the effects of the pandemic in the domestic violence provider community and evaluate relevant strategies – In other words, were we ready? Finally, we explored some of the internal and external resources that were utilized to address the needs of the COVID 19 emergency climate by taking a look at where we were and where were we to go from there.

While events like this were my priority, I did well to still participate in the Partnership’s monthly round up calls and presentations that sought to do exactly what this program did: create a community of support. They allowed me to understand the concerns of the DV advocacy community from a much broader perspective. As someone new to the industry, I appreciated world view as it bettered my approach at home with the clients of ADV.

Tell us about the nominee’s professional skills in finance, fundraising, government affairs, human resources management, marketing and public relations
I thrive in human resource management and public relations. As a union rep, understanding and navigating the nuances of employees is a required skill that truly works when there is a level of care and empathy for those involved. Success in marketing this work comes in communicating the values of those people. I have experience in creative fliers and media campaigns, but the real work is recognizing why the message matters and why the audience’s participation will validate the experience.

For the last decade, I have created space and resource for transformational engagement with compassion and authenticity. Daily, I facilitated large trainings, design and assess workshops and modules, and oversee a functioning steward training program that literally touches the heart of Californian communities and workplaces. I have mentored and developed more than 400 worksite stewards, developed training material and designed conferences for groups of more than 300, and have managed and written the curriculum for dozens of in person and web-based organizing and representational trainings. With SEIU Local 1000 and my personal community work, I have mobilized leaders to harness their power, and to recognize that even a pandemic cannot stop their ability to relate and connect to the issues and values that fuel them. Now with ADV, I must translate this experience into a message that must reach people who are far less centralized and less likely to raise their hand to be “engaged,” even if engagement means saving their own life. Navigating people and the optics of public relations means aligning myself with victims and survivors, community allies and staff using initiative, curiosity, and thoughtfulness. Developing program structures and building leaders are my strengths, but reaching others with style and heart defines how I lead. I am proud of this work, and look forward to sharing what I have learned with you.

How does this nominee represent California’s rich diversity? How might this person bring underrepresented voices into the center of our work?
I am a gay black man, and a product of amazingly talented single parent. The “why” behind my commitment to promoting excellence in the name of equity and inclusion is a living relationship between my life lessons and a desire to see others live in their best light. Diversity is a theme that does not live without equity and wholehearted learning as its foundation. When others discover what their best light looks and feels like as it has taken me years to do, they will naturally begin to desire and build diverse landscapes. I have been transformed by conversations and involvements with leaders and organizations that appreciate these types of landscapes through their desire to understand and accept me fully. They thrive because and when I do. My professional and personal development is in a constant state of growth because of my understanding of this theme otherwise known as inclusion. I am an author of a children’s book that speaks to the importance of understanding our uniqueness, and the power we find when we use it to build others. This message mirrors California’s demand for a landscape that allows for us all to thrive. I have organized townhalls of for Dr. King’s Poor People’s Campaign, facilitate workshops for the Q Christian Fellowship, and serve on the alma mater’s Black Affinity Group Board, all to contribute to the quest of authentic learning and leading for those around me. I have seen in the work produced by the Partnership that we share the value of promoting unrepresented voices and experiences for a more equitable landscape we all can enjoy.

I grow when others do, and it is with a dangerous unselfishness that I stand on themes of equity and inclusion. Diverse landscapes that promote freedom and good lighting for others on their journeys toward triumph can be found by tackling these bold themes. Without them, there can be no room for connection or understanding, so there would be no room for progress. I am proud of the progressive work I have done professionally and personally, and it would be a joy to share this passion with the Partnership and the countless people it touches.

On a scale from 1 to 10 (1=low, 10=high), how informed are you about the Partnership’s mission and strategies?
9

Please summarize the Partnership’s priorities as you understand them.
The Partnership is determined to change the world by ending domestic violence. You organize, engage, and educate to impact policy and legislation. Further, you use those methods to empower victims to find better lives. All of these points reflect that your priority is to create space for the world you are creating.

You have maintained a corporate mission to protect, educate, and create economic wellness for victims of domestic violence. You hold it as a duty and responsibility to the community of victims is to ensure that a holistic platform of services are attainable and available for victims who wish to end the cycle of abuse. Though I am confident I understand the priorities of the organization, I know there is more to take in and experience. Rating myself as a 10 would not leave me the room for that growth.

Describe your leadership experience in business, philanthropy, legal, government and nonprofit sectors.
Associate Director of Programs
Alternatives to Domestic Violence, Riverside, CA
October 2020- Present

• Support CEO and Board of Directors to provide oversight of program elements to ensure successful implementation and coordination of domestic violence services
• Creatively collaborate with domestic violence advocates and community partners to raise awareness for DV policy issues, and engage and represent victims
• Assist program managers with on-going workload assignments and adjusting project or program priorities
• Senior for Education and Training Development
• Service Employees International Union (SEIU) Local 1000, Ontario, CA
• November 2015- November 2020
• Coordinated statewide steward leadership program, and oversaw the process and development of member participants from orientation to graduation
• Developed curriculum and create processes for real-time and online workshops, and trained leaders and staff to facilitate modules on an ongoing basis
• Served as lead facilitator for workshops and conferences, as mentor to upcoming leaders, and as training subject matter expected for elected leaders on leadership development, organizing and representation strategies
• Evaluated leadership and training outcomes for members and staff, and determine training needs as mandated by the Local’s President
• Provided staff support for member-led diversity committees, community awareness campaigns, political/electoral and bargaining efforts
• Union Representative/Organizer
• SEIU Local 1000, Los Angeles, CA
• March 2010 – November 2015
• Enforced and interpreted Memorandum of Understanding to represent individuals in administrative hearings and formal dispute resolution proceedings such as investigations, mediation, grievances, and discrimination and EEO appeals and complaints
• Facilitated regular trainings on Handling Reasonable Accommodation and EEO, Legal Rights of Union Stewards, Sexual Harassment, Grievance Writing, FMLA/SDI, and other relevant courses aimed at member-leader education and development
• Developed plans to mobilize and lead members in union activities including office actions, political/issues campaigns, grassroots lobbying, media activity, COPE, and legislative/issue advocacy in support of the union’s collective bargaining

EDUCATION
University of La Verne – Bachelor’s of Science; Public Administration; Music Minor

Savannah College of Art and Design – Master’s of Arts; Arts Administration

Board members help to foster a positive image of the Partnership. Describe relationships you have with business leaders, policy-makers, media outlets, philanthropists and the broader community. Tell us how you intend to cultivate those relationships on behalf of the Partnership.
During the “Lockdown of 2020,” the racial justice protests moving on various ground levels, and I was asked by various community leaders and friends to join in the efforts. Experiences like these demonstrate the real value of networks and shared value systems. These experiences also showed me that despite the common trope of “its who you know,” WHY you know these people and when you chose to explore the relationship is just as beneficial. Communicating values is essential in earning trust and building movements. I would work to stand on the values of the Partnership and invite others to stand with us as we make our values known. Policy makers, business leaders, and others will see those and gravitate toward them. In recent times, our society has perfected the art of rallying against what we do NOT like, but have much to learn in terms of uniting on behalf of something. I will cultivate relationships by demonstrating the worth of the common bond and shared outcomes. This is done through one on one conversations and leading a life of integrity so the allies I speak with trust my words.

Like other nonprofits, Partnership Board members are expected to raise funds on behalf of the organization. What will you do to help us meet our annual fundraising goal?
Representation and visibility matters. Creative fundraising and programming outside of the norm will do well to bring us to any goal we set. Though most victims of DV tend to be female, this is not a woman’s issue. By including voices outside of that norm, we have an opportunity to catch the attention of donors who may not have recognized the insidiousness of DV and its cycle. This includes older people, immigrants, the working poor, the LGTBQ, and men. I thrive in spaces that require the sensitivity and patience of diversity, and working to create an experience for them that is beneficial for us all. Whether they are victims or allies, using these voices from these communities will continue to raise awareness. I know firsthand how important it is to be included at a table that I may not otherwise have been invited to. Sharing that will open doors to the most unexpected of donors.