Don’t Be a Stranger

My purpose has always been clear: to change the emerging artist experience so it doesn’t have to be so damn painful.

Being an artist is hard — not because of the talent, but because of everything else. Most jobs don’t require you to constantly justify why you should be paid for your work. But if you’re in a creative career, you get it. That’s why I built the Developing Artist Collaboration (DAC): a place where artists can get the tools, support, and mindset shifts they need to stop struggling and start thriving.

I founded DAC nearly a decade ago. Back then, I was doing all kinds of creative work — paid, unpaid (ugh), undervalued — while learning to run a creative business the hard way. I poured everything I learned into DAC and, with an incredible team, turned it into a movement that’s transformed hundreds of artists' lives.

My founder journey has been a gift — not because it was easy, but because it nearly broke me. I stepped into leadership too early, with zero nonprofit or business experience, hit a pandemic mid-way through, and carried a lot of unresolved personal baggage into the process. I had to grow up alongside the thing I was building — and for a while, I almost lost it.

But I didn’t. I came back stronger, more grounded, and more self-aware than ever. Now, alongside leading DAC, I’m also dedicating myself to inspiring other people to avoid the painful lessons I had to learn the hard way through Purpose In Progress.

If I can use my experience to help someone else stay out of their own way and move forward with clarity and impact, then every twist in my story was worth it.

Want to reach out?

If you don’t know DAC, you should.

The Developing Artist Collaboration isn’t just a nonprofit — it’s a movement that’s changing what it means to be an artist in today’s world. We’re building a future where emerging artists have the tools, mentorship, and support they need to thrive creatively and financially.

How can you be a part of it? Become a member, donate to us, come support out events. Every ounce of energy and dollar donated helps us provide life-changing programs, create accessible public art, and empower the next generation of creative leaders. If you believe in the power of art to transform lives and communities — we’d love to have you in our corner.

My Core Values

  • Let's Be Real

    I am very thoughtful about how I spend my time. When it comes to consulting and my creative services I am very transparent about my value. I choose to work with clients who value who I am and what I stand for.

  • I'm an Eternal Optimist

    The world I live in is a beautiful and inherently good. I have witnessed actual human suffering in some of the poorest countries on this planet but always found hope and love within those communities. I believe in the power of doing good. I do my best to listen and to go out of my way to be kind to people.

  • Growth Never Ends

    Exploring life in my early 30’s means I am still figuring it all out. Though I’ve learned a lot, I still have a lot of work to do. I will never say that I made it or know it all. I will always be upfront and honest whenever sharing my story and be endlessly in pursuit of being better every day.