Collaboration, Community, Equity, Collective, Racism, History, Culture, Fairness, Gender, Xenophobia, Individuals, Families, Neighborhoods, Representation, Elected, Discomfort, Generations, You, Me, Us, Ours, Policies, Humanity, Barriers.
These are some of the words that run through my mind when I think about policy work and the intersection it has with diverse communities. These words are also what I hope to use to help me unpack and bring understanding to my work as I begin my position at Minnesota Coalition for the Homeless (MCH).
Hello, my name is Fatima Moore and I am the newest addition to the MCH team as the Director of Public Policy. To say that I am excited to work alongside some of the best minds working on issues related to homelessness would be an understatement. I am looking forward to connecting with as many of you, MCH’s stakeholders, as possible. In the process of cultivating our relationship, I hope to learn why you work so diligently to dispel inaccurate narratives of what homelessness is, why it exists, what WE can do to end it, and more about how we can support the populations impacted by it. My intent is that you will use this short excerpt about me as a means to connecting with me and an invitation to further network and collaborate.
A little about ME!
I like to think of myself as an easy-going person who loves being around people. I am a first-generation immigrant to the U.S., whose family immigrated from Monrovia, Liberia in 1991. My family and I settled in the quaint city of Providence, Rhode Island. I grew up surrounded by many different cultures; including languages, food, arts, and perspectives. The diverse perspectives listed worked to mold my own beliefs and value systems and currently informs every decision-making process in my life.
I live with my family on the East Side of Saint Paul and am a parent to two blossoming young ladies. I would be remiss to not mention that they are of African, African American and Lebanese descent. And I want to make certain they feel proud to profess who they are as an American without being penalized for that. They are the blaze to my social justice fire!
I care deeply about creating safe spaces for everyone around the decision-making table, regardless of how uncomfortable it feels and no matter how much time it takes. I am passionate about showing the true representation of all people during the policy formation process, and I believe good policies are created when that happens. On the contrary, inadequate and unfavorable policies which have been systemically implemented cannot continue to be ignored and accepted as status quo any longer. And THIS is why I cannot wait to begin working and growing alongside you.
I am excited to hear your stories, and even more so, I am excited to help empower you to tell YOUR stories. I would like to leave you with a quote I absolutely love, and I hope you will let it rest on your mind and do what it does to empower you, and in turn, empower us in our new partnership.