About Me: I grew up in a multi-generational household on Long Island. Dancing, summer camp, and late nights at the diner were a big part of my life. In college at Santa Clara University, I’d book late-night sessions in the theater, building to scratch that itch of my younger years. I have lived in a handful of cities, but my perfect day still involves the same things: attending a yoga class (I’m also certified), indulging in spicy noodles, browsing through a bookstore, and going to bed early. During my free time, I enjoy assisting gardeners at Central Park and serving on the Remix <> Culture board, documenting and remixing underrepresented traditional musicians and their communities’ stories.
What is your role and how long have you been at StoryCorps?
I’ve been with StoryCorps for two and a half years. I started as an account manager for StoryCorps Studios—our fee-for-hire services. In October 2023, I moved over to the Marketing & Communications (M&C) department where, as the Associate Director of Public Support and Solutions, I’m the lead for public-facing communications.
What does your job entail?
Public Support and Solutions responds to incoming inquiries, technical woes, and manages our call center. Internally, our team of three oversees resources for the organization and guides our communications with the general public.
What are the rewards of your job?
In staff meetings, I like to think about the needs of those who are not in the room—in this case, our participants. I get to be their cheerleader and bring attention to their voices. Our team also stays on top of any emerging trends that can improve the participant experience across our digital tools, like the app and the archive, which tends to feel energizing.
It’s also rewarding to work with curious and creative people who are focused on both the outcome and the process.
What are the challenges of your job?
Of all the inquiries, tech issues, and emails we receive—no two issues are exactly the same. So, with each inquiry, we try to understand who each person is and how best to support their unique needs.
Why should everyone record a conversation with StoryCorps?
Students still learn about oral histories and transference of knowledge from tribal communities and nomadic people all these centuries later, which speaks to their importance.
I think StoryCorps conversations can be an opportunity to see old moments and familiar people with fresh eyes and reverence. The experience is not something I can explain—you need to have a conversation and see for yourself!
What’s your favorite StoryCorps story?
One of my favorites is Facundo the Great, the story of a Mexican-American kid whose name was almost changed in elementary school. It always reminds me of my younger sister whose name has Swahili origins and is often mispronounced. I really feel for the kids whose identity is being re-written for them without their approval. This story underscores how names are a sign of respect and how the adults in our lives can leave a lasting impact.
There’s also a special place in my heart for Chris and Gabe’s story. Gabe shares his experience of finding friends who understood his journey during his transition. I have worked with teens seeking gender-affirming care in the past, and I know how important it is to have people who offer support. It’s often life or death. This story will resonate with anyone who cares about the well-being of kiddos.
