Hello! My name is Alissa, or Ali, and I’m currently working as a community organizer in Minneapolis.
Although originally from Madison, WI, I moved on to graduate with a B.A. at the University of Minnesota in sociology of law, criminology, and deviance with minors in Spanish and political science. I wrote my thesis on how white students at the U perceive race and accepted an offer for my dream job with International Justice Mission.
I was located in La Paz, Bolivia starting in August 2018 as a government relations and advocacy intern. While I was there I reported directly to the head of the department and we planned an international conference for Bolivian judges on common nonpartisan practices. My contract was initially for one year but I was beginning conversations with my boss about extending my time until the elections in October 2019 happened causing civil unrest and an emergency evacuation back to the United States while that settled.
Unfortunately, returning to Bolivia wasn’t in the cards and IJM relocated me to Peru after months of waiting. I was excited to assist the regional director there in the administrative work of setting up a field office when COVID-19 hit and, once again, I was evacuated.
I chose to return to Minneapolis where I had gone to school, had community, and could return to organizing work I had done with ACER. Shortly after my return, George Floyd was killed and I found myself in the midst of civil unrest yet again. I committed to pouring into the movement work happening in Minneapolis and began a new role as a digital organizer with CTUL where I currently work.
I allowed myself to first put my passion for writing to use when I interned with Dressember.com as a writer and editor. Although I’m no longer directly affiliated with them, I am excited for this platform to continue sharing.
None of my side projects are shared or published yet, hopefully coming soon, here is a free song you can download that’s related to why I do what I do. I came up with the melody when I was 10 and my dad and his rockstar friends helped put it all together.
For his hard work recording, and the information that gets shared, please consider donating below. It’s not expected but greatly appreciated.
