CURRENT MISSION

Working toward creative justice for everyone in this world that we share.

ABOUT ME

I moved to Pittsburgh 5 years ago for a Masters in Food Studies, or Sustainable Food Systems, with my mind set on fixing some of the problems in our industrial food system. Through those studies I came to the realization that inequality is not only the root problem in the food system but also at the root of every injustice in the world. Since then, I have been finding ways to creatively work for justice in my field and beyond. My dream is to help build a strong regional food system in Western PA and I currently work for a farmers' cooperative doing just that!

Another passion of mine is building community, and I am one of the founding members of Open House PGH, an urban intentional community made up of people who are interested in solving societal problems creatively and cooperatively. We host a weekly Community Dinner in which invite everyone we know to enjoy a homecooked vegetarian meal with us. We also host a variety of other events to build strong and supportive social networks and to raise awareness about different local and global issues.

PHILOSOPHY

Cooperation over competition

Why I’m on Couchsurfing

HOW I PARTICIPATE IN COUCHSURFING

I have hosted dozens of amazing people and every time I surf outside of my city I have an amazing experience! I love showing hospitality in this way.

COUCHSURFING EXPERIENCE

I surfed once in Pittsburgh the first time I visited, and it was amazing! I also went to the Detroit Couch Crash summer 2012 and had an amazing time there. Primarily, I just host lots of awesome folks!

Interests

farming, critical thinking, cycling, cooking, global justice, Gaia, traveling, world history, language learning, excellent tea, intentional community, socialism, permaculture, WWOOFing, interconnectedness, self-sufficiency

• dining
• cooking
• breakfast
• vegetarian
• traveling
• cycling
• agriculture
• history
• wwoof

Music, Movies, and Books

Movies: I largely enjoy documentary-type entertainment, like Planet Earth, Cosmos, Human Planet. I can also get super down with My Neighbor Totoro.

Music: Badass queer electronic hiphop

Books: I love the shit out of nonfiction, especially anything related to alternative agriculture, world history, or global politics. Favorite authors include: Carroll Quigley, Noam Chomsky, Ben Falk & Bill Mollison. Some of my favorite fiction includes: Herland by Charlotte Perkins Gilman and, of course, the Harry Potter series.

One Amazing Thing I’ve Done

Summer of 2010 I took a two month trip to Holland, Sweden, and Belgium, living and working on organic farms through the WWOOF program. I had the most incredible time meeting new people and learning about other cultures. I had the opportunity to do some amazing things out of others' generosity: a sailboat trip to Stockholm, a homey dinner in Groningen, a birthday breakfast lakeside in Sweden... These moments make me love this world and the amazing people in it, and make me want to share my life with others as much as possible!

Teach, Learn, Share

I know a lot about agriculture and food justice, and I love to think about history and how it affect our everyday lives in the present.

I am always interested to learn about how others' experiences in the world have informed their perspective. In this way, there is always something to learn from one another.

What I Can Share with Hosts

Local food treats, dishwashing hands, an open mind

Countries I’ve Visited

Austria, Bahamas, Belgium, Canada, Costa Rica, Germany, Greece, Italy, Liechtenstein, Morocco, Netherlands, Sweden, Switzerland

Countries I’ve Lived In

Morocco, United States