Celebrating Black History Month:
Staff Spotlight
In honor of Black History Month, we are amplifying the work and stories of Crossroads employees.
Lena, Communications Manager
Is there a Black leader or figure, past or present, who inspires you?
My Blackness and Queerness are two identities that are most salient to me, so learning about and reading the works of Black Queer figures, like James Baldwin and Audre Lorde, have really inspired me, especially as a writer myself. I also love watching Queer Black representation in today’s media, so shows like Pose and Harlem and have felt super affirming and inspiring to watch, though I think we still need more representation!
What is your proudest career or personal achievement?
I started as a Recruiter with Crossroads but I got my undergrad degree in Media & Communications and was very excited to put my degree to use when I was promoted to Communications Manager. Even though I’ve only been in the position for a little over a year, I feel as if I’ve developed so many personal and professional skills in a short period of time, which I’m very proud of.
What is something someone may be surprised to know about you?
In addition to working full time at Crossroads, I’m also a full time Grad student, studying Counseling Psychology. At Crossroads, I do a lot of work around our diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals and have discovered that it’s something I’m truly passionate about. I would love to one day find a way to combine my love for fashion, psychology and DEI.
What does “Black Joy” mean to you? What aspects of your life bring you the most joy?
To me, Black Joy is all about emphasizing the positive, joyous aspects of Black folk’s experience. I think the media loves to hyper-focus on negative aspects of Black people’s history and treat Blackness as if it’s a monolith, when there are so many beautiful parts of our culture that can be highlighted. Building community with other Black, Queer folks brings me the most joy. Over the past few years I’ve built some really amazing relationships that bring me joy everyday. <3
Daniel, Floor Staff
What is your biggest career or personal goal?
To work in sports in some kind of way- specifically for one of my favorite teams.
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
Watching and playing sports (basketball, football, hockey and baseball). I love to listen to a variety of different genres of music.
What does “Black Joy” mean to you? What aspects of your life bring you the most joy?
To be able to feel comfortable in myself and to try my best to be kind to anyone. The thing that brings me the most joy in life is being surrounded by my friend and family. Sports, too. Being born and raised in the Bay Area, the teams I root for (Warriors, A’s, 49ers, Sharks) bring me joy when I watch them do well.
Izzy, Floor Staff
What hobbies do you enjoy outside of work?
I am into film: making, acting and watching. I also like to draw and make beats.
What is something someone may be surprised to know about you?
I like to collect shells.
What does “Black Joy” mean to you? What aspects of your life bring you the most joy?
Being happy and comfortable with yourself. An aspect of my life that brings me the most joy is creating.
