WFCO Team Grows By Three
Meet Our Team: WFCO Welcomes Three New Staff Members to Grow Statewide Presence
This spring, WFCO added three new staff members to our team as part of our commitment to grow our statewide presence. Please welcome to our community (pictured from left to right) Mallory Garner-Wells, statewide engagement manager; Erica Jackson, digital marketing specialist; and Mariana Diaz, programs coordinator.
In the coming months, we’ll also add part-time regional committee coordinators in Southern Colorado, Northern Colorado, and Vail Valley. Stay tuned for the job postings this fall!
Mariana Diaz, programs coordinator
What do you do at The Foundation? Support all aspects of our WAGES (Women Achieving Greater Economic Security) programmatic body of work.
Why is the advancement of women personally important to you? Having grown up with a single mother, in a matriarchal family, and identifying as a woman myself, I know first-hand how powerful women are. Yet, I also know how the barriers women face — especially women of color and women living in poverty — negatively affect them, their families, and communities.
Favorite part of your job? Working alongside so many incredible people. Not just the staff, but also our grantee partners, volunteers, and supporters!
Women’s issues that matter most to you? I identify as Latina and while that has come with its own unique challenges, I have been very privileged in my education. Nevertheless, this isn’t the story for many Latinas. In fact, we Latinas make up a very small percentage of people seeking higher education. Increasing access to education and job training is particularly important to me, especially education that does not cause further harm by burying women and their families in student loan debt.
Favorite book? I am currently reading the “Revolution Will Not Be Funded: Beyond the Non-Profit Industrial Complex.” It’s a collection of essays by activists and their experiences with and within the non-profit sector and its role in the co-option of movements.
Favorite thing to do in Colorado? Enjoying all the usual outdoor things like hiking, camping, gardening, picnics, biking, and rollerblading.
Hometown? Little Havana, Miami, FL.
Favorite quote? “You must find a way to get in the way and get in good trouble, necessary trouble. … You have a moral obligation, a mission and a mandate… to go out and seek justice for all…” – Senator John Lewis
Mallory Garner-Wells, statewide engagement manager
What do you do at The Foundation? Engage people around Colorado in the educational and advocacy work we do. Looking ahead, we will build volunteer opportunities for people to engage in ways that create real change for women and their families in Colorado. Keep an eye out for opportunities in your community.
Why is the advancement of women personally important to you? The root of much of the oppression that exists in this world is because of the idea that people should be treated according to stereotypes about their actual or perceived gender. Individuals should be free to like whatever they like, and have all the same opportunities as everyone else, regardless of their gender identity. I feel called to this work because of the climate we live in and because as a mom I want my child to grow up in a world where they can be free to be whoever they are.
Favorite part of your job? Visiting communities around the state and empowering people to engage in important issues that will create systemic change for all women and families in Colorado.
Women’s issues that matter most to you? Economic oppression is at the heart of so many of the social movements that I care about. The ability for a woman to support herself and her family is absolutely essential for her to seize the opportunities that life can offer. WFCO plays an important role by having a nonpartisan, data-driven approach to working on economic self sufficiency for the women of our state and I’m proud to be here.
Favorite book? “Half the Sky” by Sheryl WuDunn and Nicholas Krisof. I think it’s an important global perspective on how economic autonomy can improve the lives of women and the ripple effects that has in a community.
Favorite thing to do in Colorado? Exploring all of the wonderful places (in city and in nature) that our state has to offer with my family.
Hometown? Orlando, FL.
Favorite mantra? “Gender is a social construct.”
Erica Jackson, digital marketing specialist
What do you do at The Foundation? Manage and execute our content, which includes website, emails, videos, and social media platforms. I support the programs and development teams with their communications needs as well as help bring to life the amazing stories that come from our many grantees, trustees, donors, staff, and advocates!
Why is the advancement of women personally important to you? I’ve been very fortunate in my life in that I have grown up surrounded by fiercely strong women, including my mother who has been, and continues to be, my guiding force. When she was a young woman with two daughters under the age of four, my mother found herself as a single mom struggling to make ends meet. With some serious hard work and the support of a few family members, she was able to make her way to economic self-sufficiency and pave the way for my sister and me to attend university where we would both eventually obtain advanced degrees.
Favorite part of your job? Digital marketing is constantly changing, so it’s always fun to try new things and figure out how to stay on top of the trends. I’m excited to use our communications to get our mission, work, and stories out to the widest possible audience.
Women’s issues that matter most to you? Economic security for women is an issue that is extremely important to me. But one other that is important for me as well is racial justice for women of color. Systemic racism can be a major barrier for women of color when it comes to economic opportunity. As a biracial woman myself, I think it’s imperative that we work to remove that extra level of inequality to support women of all races and ethnic backgrounds in their pursuit of financial security for themselves and their families.
Favorite book? I’m a huge Harry Potter fan and I always make sure to reread the entire series at least once a year. And recently I finished for the third time Ayaan Hirsi Ali’s, “Infidel.” It’s a powerful autobiography that always reminds me of the incredible resiliency women possess.
Favorite thing to do in Colorado? Getting outside with my dog, Buddy (when it’s nice out, of course)! He loves to hike, explore, and swim in creeks so he’s really pushed me to get out more and enjoy everything our beautiful state has to offer!
Hometown? Colorado Springs.
Favorite quote? “Though she be but little, she is fierce.” I’m a petite 5’0″ and love Shakespeare, so this will always be my go-to!
