My story
I have always believed that culture and creativity are essential strategies for social change.
Three decades at the intersection of law, policy, culture and community — and a continuing journey to cultivate and care for mind, body and spirit.
Rooted in justice
Three decades at the intersection of law and social change.
As a civil rights lawyer and nonprofit executive, I held leadership roles at the Southern Poverty Law Center, Open Society Foundations, Every Texan and the ACLU. I've argued twice before the U.S. Supreme Court, litigated numerous landmark cases around the country and founded groundbreaking programs to stop the erosion of civil and human rights.
I've led initiatives to:
Dismantle white supremacy, end racism and advance learning for justice
Enact policies for affordable health care, quality public education and fair immigration
Promote human rights, justice and accountability
Create more welcoming communities for immigrants
Dismantle the school-to-prison pipeline
Stem the backlash against civil liberties in the name of national security
Protect free speech and privacy on the Internet
I'm an Advisor to Social Resonance Lab and a proud alum of the Rockwood Leadership Institute. I have served on the Boards of Atlantic Fellows for Racial Equity (now 21Hundred) and Welcoming America.
Culture, creativity & community
Culture and creativity nourish the spirit, build trust and inspire collective action.
With a background in anthropology as well as law, I have long believed that culture, creativity and community are essential for advancing social change. I've designed and led a range of creative and community initiatives, including:
Launched a national philanthropic initiative at the Open Society Foundations for art, culture and social change
Designed You’re Welcome! at SXSW with Welcoming America, which used comedy, music and dance parties to create more welcoming communities for immigrants
Developed HATCH: Inspired Social Change, which brought together artists and activists to solve problems and transform communities
Supported the development of Anna Deavere Smith's acclaimed theatre piece on the criminal justice system, Notes from the Field (also an HBO documentary)
Co-designed Four Plus Four Equals with Fusebox and Via Hope, a unique citywide visual art project in Austin to raise public awareness and promote community conversation about mental illness
Care for Mind, Body and Spirit
The world needs brave and tender people.
— Roshi Joan Halifax, Founder and Abbot, Upaya Zen Center
In these times of accelerating destruction and uncertainty, I am called to deepen my capacity to respond not only to injustice, but also to support those suffering from despair.
I am currently completing a two-year graduate program in chaplaincy through the Upaya Zen Center in Santa Fe, grounded in the tradition of socially engaged Buddhism of Thich Nhat Hanh.
I am learning new and ancient tools and practices to alleviate suffering, cultivate wise hope and build resilient communities rooted in ethical practice.
I see my evolving work as creative community chaplaincy — holding space for people and groups to reconnect to one another, make meaning and imagine the more just and joyful world we long to inhabit.
Ready to work together?
Whether you seek coaching, a retreat, or simply a conversation.