L. Sotolongo, AmeriCorps Grants Manager (they/them)
“To begin is no more agony than opening your hand.” – June Jordan
As a poet and writer, I am curious about the stories and patterns that bring us together and ask us to build something new. My queer, trans, daughter-child-of-Cuban-immigrants, and mixed-race identities all point to this journey of consistent exploration and connection. As a West Coast kid – after two seasons of salmon and herring processing in Alaska and assistant teaching in California – I eventually found my way to Washington DC through the Episcopal Service Corps. The experience of that year with my cohort – as well as the nonprofit I worked at – changed my life.
Since then, I have worked with organizations like Faith in Public Life, Human Rights Campaign, the Center for Action and Contemplation (and their Living School), and led as a Co-Director with Brave Commons, a grassroots group that partnered with LGBTQ+ students at Christian colleges. Most recently, as a grant writer in Nashville, TN – upon completing a Master of Divinity at Vanderbilt – I’ve been drawn to writing as a tool of resourcing, economic empowerment, and mutual aid. I am excited to continue this work at JVC Northwest in a faith and justice context.
When I’m not researching policies and procedures, I’m attempting quick-witted jokes, baking, writing children’s books for my nephews and niece (who call me Tia Loren), and gathering friends. My go-to writers at the moment are: Cameron Awkward-Rich, Hiba Abu Nada, Chen Chen, Mosab Abu Toha, Dr. Alan Pelaez Lopez, Naomi Shihab Nye, and any cheesy queer romance novelist.
Want to contact L? Email them or contact them at 971.353.6800.
