I’m a community educator and strategist. Born and raised in Milwaukee, my mom raised me and my brothers to help others whenever possible, to be of service even when we didn’t have much, and to always be proud of who we are. I wear many hats as an organizer, educator, advocate, and strategist because I believe that creating change means showing up in every space where our communities need us and where voices are too often missing.

In college, inspired by my mom’s stories of college life, I volunteered and led multiple organizations on campus, state, and national levels. I challenged harmful policies and created spaces that centered on those most marginalized. My journey of exploring my mother’s Black American heritage from Mississippi and my father’s Puerto Rican roots taught me that education can be a powerful tool for liberation, and that understanding identity through a pre-colonial lens deepens our connection to our roots and helps us fully love ourselves. For those of us at the intersections of many identities, that journey taught me to honor every part of who I am.

After college, I stayed deeply involved in community work and organizing, working with local nonprofits, teaching advocacy workshops, and helping build leadership pipelines. I joined the NAACP Milwaukee Branch board, worked for the ACLU of Wisconsin as a Youth Organizer, and expanded my knowledge of politics. I even ran for office; although I didn’t win, the experience lit a fire in me to get more involved in leadership and to help others navigate the political process, especially Black, brown, and LGBTQ+ folks who might not have the resources to do so.

As a former executive director, I led food justice initiatives and continue that work through community collaborations. I’m passionate about helping changemakers, nonprofits, and small businesses build capacity at the intersections of marketing, policy, education, justice, and politics. I also help care for my mom and love cosplaying and volunteering at gaming and anime conventions. I am ever-evolving, and I’m excited to keep learning, growing, and being of service.

Pride in Color 2025

The Community Builder: Micah Ogé leads the efforts to build sustainability and inclusion across industries and through charity work.

The Facilitator: Demi Jo Carr works to center health equity as a platform to spread justice, care, and compassion to those in need.

The Activist: SkyGia Garcia lives her advocacy and is helping address youth housing insecurity through the Everstrong Program.

The Educator: Dr. Mark Long transforms the lived experiences of his social work into uplifting and empowering lessons for his students and mentees.

The Strategist: Solana Patterson-Ramos gives voice to the voiceless and creates change through nonprofit, charity, education, and advocacy work.