Aliza S

Where are you from? Columbia, MD.

Where are you working this year: I work at Street Roots, a street newspaper that employees houseless folks and those living in poverty, where I help coordinate and systemitize supplies and community building events for vendors and staff the front desk. I also work at Northwest Workers’ Justice Project (NWJP), a nonprofit law firm that defends low-wage workers and advocates for policy change, where I had the opportunity to work on a campaign for several months, attend weekly Case Review meetings, and research bills in the Oregon legislature. Lastly, I work at Agape Village, a tiny homes village that houses formerly houseless folks, where we, quite literally, are building justice.

Tell us about a new skill you learned this year: I’ve learned how to better advocate for myself, both in our Tivnu community and within my internships.

Favorite Tivnu activity so far: I loved going to Mt. Rainer, our first hiking trip. It was absolutely beautiful, probably the prettiest mountains I’ve ever seen.

Something that surprised you this year: It surprised me how easy it was to make friends and strong connection with those in the cohort, even though we each come from different backgrounds and have varied interests.