Can you briefly share what brought you, personally, to this work?

“My path to this work started with a realization that I had a lot to learn. As a white person who grew up benefiting from systems that often worked in my favor, I began paying closer attention to the experiences of people whose identities and backgrounds differed from my own.

Part of that journey came through my own family. My nieces are biracial, and as they’ve grown up, I’ve become more aware that their experiences can be very different from those of my own children. Conversations about identity, belonging, representation, and how people are treated based on how they look helped me recognize realities that I hadn’t previously had to think about. It challenged me to listen more, learn more, and better understand the ways that systems and communities can create very different experiences for different people.

What drew me to the Monadnock DEIB Coalition was its focus on bringing people together to learn, connect, and build a more welcoming region. I believe that creating stronger communities starts with understanding one another and being willing to have honest conversations about belonging, equity, and the systems that shape our lives. My hope is that the Monadnock Region continues to be a place where all people, including my own children and nieces, feel welcomed, valued, and able to thrive.”

From what you’ve seen in our region, what unique barriers do people from minority or marginalized communities face when it comes to mental health and getting support?

“Like many rural communities, the Monadnock Region faces challenges around access to mental health services for all. For people from minority or marginalized communities, those challenges can be even greater. Some individuals may struggle to find providers who understand their cultural background or lived experiences. Others may worry about being misunderstood, judged, or not feeling fully accepted in the spaces where they seek help.

I’ve also heard community members talk about feelings of isolation. When you don’t often see people who share your identity, culture, race, religion, language, or life experience, it can be harder to feel a sense of belonging. That isolation can impact mental health and make it more difficult to reach out for support.”

How do you see stigma around mental health playing out locally, and what helps break it down?

“Mental health stigma exists across many communities, though it can show up in different ways. Sometimes people worry that asking for help will be seen as weakness. Sometimes there are cultural expectations around handling challenges privately. In a small community, people may also worry about confidentiality or what others will think.

What helps break down stigma is creating opportunities for people to share their stories and be heard without judgment. When trusted community leaders, neighbors, faith leaders, employers, and family members talk openly about mental health, it normalizes seeking support. Building relationships across differences also helps people feel safer bringing their full selves into conversations.”

How does building a more inclusive, welcoming community directly support people’s mental health?

“Belonging is deeply connected to mental health. When people feel welcomed, valued, respected, and included, they are more likely to build meaningful relationships, participate in community life, and seek support when they need it.

An inclusive community doesn’t eliminate life’s challenges, but it creates conditions where people feel less isolated and more connected. Whether it’s a newcomer feeling accepted, a young person seeing themselves represented, or someone finding a community where they can be authentic, those experiences contribute to resilience, well-being, and a stronger sense of hope.”

What’s something tangible readers can start doing today to be a better ally and create more welcoming spaces?

“Start by listening. Seek out perspectives and experiences that differ from your own, and approach those conversations with curiosity rather than assumptions. 

Take time to learn about the experiences of people in your community and reflect on how your own experiences may differ.

Small actions matter. Invite someone new into a conversation. Learn how to pronounce someone’s name correctly. Speak up when you hear stereotypes or exclusionary comments. Support local events that bring diverse groups together. Ask who may be missing from the table when decisions are being made.

Being an ally isn’t about having all the answers. It’s about being willing to learn, build relationships, and take consistent actions that help others feel they belong.”