I help create safer spaces by making sure resources actually reach the people who need them most. That can mean coordinating outreach, training volunteers, connecting with venues, or simply showing up in the community. My goal is always to bridge the gap between services and the people who might not otherwise have access to them.

I’m inspired by the resilience of the people we work with and by our amazing SafeSceneNJ team. Seeing them give their time, energy, and heart to keep their communities safe is incredible. Even when the system falls short, they keep showing up — and that motivates me to do the same. I’m also inspired by other harm reduction workers and community leaders who do this work every day, often with very few resources.

The problem I want to solve is simple but urgent: fewer preventable overdoses and less stigma around people who use drugs. The real issue isn’t just drug use — it’s disconnection, lack of access, and judgment that keep people unsafe. SafeSceneNJ is working to change that by meeting people where they are and offering real support.

For me, the reward is knowing this work saves lives and makes people feel seen. Working alongside the SafeSceneNJ team, I get to witness people come together to support each other. Seeing someone go from feeling alone to feeling supported — or just knowing we made their night a little safer — makes all the effort worth it.