CRC has a brief conversation with Monica Joe, a member of CRC’s second Racial and Economic Justice Cohort. The cohort creates a space for relationship building, personal development, and organizational development through a racial justice lens for CRC members.

Name and organization:

Monica Joe, Senior Racial Equity & Inclusion Program Manager, Non-Profit Housing Association of Northern California (NPH)

What does showing up for racial justice mean to you?

For me, showing up for racial justice means viewing everything we do through the lens of advancing justice, belonging and inclusion. It’s not enough that each of our organizations continues to work toward our missions, rather, racial justice should be part of our mission and part of our everyday work.

That means changing how we make decisions, how we treat each other and how we view the future of our work. I do a lot of work in capacity building and leadership development to create an affordable housing industry that is sustainable, representative, and innovative for the big challenges ahead.

How has engaging in CRC’s R&EJ Cohort supported your work?

It has been a joy for me to be in the company of other individuals who are working to advance racial and economic justice in their respective areas of work. This work can feel incredibly lonely sometimes, and it requires patience and perseverance. Knowing that I have comrades in this fight helps sustain my energy in this work and keeps me motivated to continue. I see how important it is to do this work in community with others so that we can support each other in fighting the good fight.

If you are interested in supporting or learning more about CRC’s REJ program, reach out to ashaheed@calreinvest.org .