MY STORY
🌱 Roots and Awakening
Growing up in St. Louis and Chicago during a pivotal moment in United States history, I witnessed firsthand the deep-seated racial tensions and systemic disconnection that would shape my lifelong commitment to social justice.
My journey of understanding took me to central Missouri, where I studied international business, driven by an initial curiosity about multiculturalism and global systems. Working at music venues opened my eyes to the transformative power of art and community. My world expanded further during a study abroad experience in South America, which became a profound rite of passage, especially following my father's passing.
In Chile, my perspective shifted dramatically. Working with a women's financing nonprofit, I experienced life as a minority and witnessed the stark environmental consequences of unchecked capitalism. A pivotal moment came while snowboarding in the Andes, where I could see a massive cloud of smog hovering over the city—a visceral representation of how economic systems directly harm both people and the planet.
🌿 Education and Transformation
Returning to the United States, I redirected my path towards meaningful change, pursuing a Master's in Leadership for Sustainability Education and Nonprofit Management at Portland State University. This wasn't just an academic degree—it was a hands-on experience requiring 20 hours of community service each term.
My involvement with the The City Repair Project became transformative. Working on their annual Building Village Convergence, a 10-day urban arts and natural building festival, I eventually became the Program Coordinator. My permaculture design course apprenticeship revealed the powerful intersection of arts, community, and ecological design.
My graduate thesis laid the groundwork for what would become Conscious Growth—a vision of community-centered events, art, and collaborative spaces.
🌲 Conscious Growth Emergence
After completing my Master's in 2018 and obtaining my Permaculture Design Certificate, I began building Conscious Growth. Despite the challenges of 2020, the seeds of community were taking root.
A serendipitous collaboration led to Earth Space PDX—a remarkable community space embodying Education, Art, Resilience, Trade, and Healing. With a beautiful permaculture backyard, outdoor classroom, art gallery, and event space, we created a model of intentional community design.
The first Conscious Growth Convergence in 2021 marked a significant milestone, followed by continued growth and expansion into The Haven PDX, a space that became a crucible for connections and artistic cross-pollination.
🍃 Deepening Roots
Moving to Eugene deepened my permaculture practice and community connections. I launched the Cascadia Campout music festival, celebrating folk and bluegrass traditions. My involvement with the NW Permaculture Convergence further rooted me in regenerative practices.
A crucial aspect of this period was integrating grief work and song circles—recognizing healing as an essential component of both personal and collective transformation. The pinnacle was producing the Conscious Growth Convergence at Lost Valley, a four-day event with 500 participants that represented the largest production of my career.
🌀 Returning with New Eyes
Returning to Portland with renewed perspective, I am working on the development of an event production company and booking agency showcasing the rich tapestry of musicians, artists, speakers, storytellers, and healers in the Cascadia Bioregion.
The journey of Conscious Growth continues with the development of a new Permaculture Design Course program, expanding our commitment to regenerative education and community building. My story is still unfolding—an ongoing narrative of connection, creativity, and transformation.
