Projects

The March on the Suburbs was a series of protests that I organized during the George Floyd uprising of 2020 which could best be described as a social justice project or an organizing experience. The goal of the March on the Suburbs was to amplify the voices of those most affected to the predominantly white, conservative, wealthy suburbs surrounding Indianapolis where they get all of their information second-handedly from right-wing media.

I am the active social media manager of the Ypsi IWW, weaving a vibrant online presence for the organization. In an era where connectivity is synonymous with visibility, my role as the curator of the Ypsi IWW's Instagram is a pivotal element in reshaping the perception of our activism within the community.

In my role as a lead organizer at Sweetwaters Coffee and Tea, my journey as a barista transformed into a dynamic engagement with labor activism and advocacy. This experience holds a significant place in my academic portfolio, showcasing not only my practical skills in organizing but also my deep commitment to workers' rights and collective empowerment

In the heart of Ypsilanti, I found myself drawn to a cause that echoed the very essence of my beliefs – solidarity. Motivated by the core principles of the IWW, which acknowledge that solidarity is the linchpin in labor struggles, I took up the mantle of leadership. The realization that the concentration of capitalist ownership strengthens the hands of a select few in dictating the course of the world resonated deeply with me. It wasn't just about contract negotiations; it was about shaping the very fabric of our communities and the broader world.

A group of my fellow workers and I attempted to organize a union at a local breakfast restaurant called Anna’s House. Since this was my first organizing campaign, I was inexperienced and made some mistakes (trying to build a model of democracy in the workplace before building critical relationships with coworkers, for example), but it was a fundamental learning experience. Our branch secretary treasurer and external organizer for this campaign, Daric Thorne, was unbelievably helpful as he guided us through union organizing strategies.

On Starbucks’ infamous Red Cup Day (essentially their Black Friday), SBWU planned a massive strike. Every year, they break sales record after sales record, and the bosses brag to the baristas about how great they did - but the workers never see any of that profit. Wage workers get paid the same regardless of their productivity. The Ypsilanti IWW stood in solidarity with our fellow workers at Starbucks.