Carly Collins
Carly (She/Her) believes everyone deserves to live free from harm and all people have the right to be self-determinate in their own lives. Her lived experience and past work as a City Year AmeriCorps member in New Orleans shaped these beliefs and contributed to her passion in advocating for ending the stigma surrounding mental health and uplifting youth voices. Her time in New Orleans also taught her the importance of finding celebration amidst hardship and using joy as a form of resistance. Before moving to Oregon, Carly earned her master's degree in Anthropology with a specialization in Applied Community and Economic Development. Her graduate research focused primarily on examining structural-trauma, how it relates to community building, and applying trauma-informed care to program development in community development settings. She was able to put her research into action when she developed a Peer Learning Network for the national nonprofit Community Opportunity Alliance.
When not working towards dismantling systems of hate. Carly can be found reading fantasy novels well past her bedtime and rewatching Bob’s Burgers. She loves to bead jewelry, paint, and embroider. Her favorite color is green but her favorite color to wear is black. Carly has dabbled in the dark arts of knitting but promptly abandoned the craft when her fingers cramped up. As an official Oregonian, Carly hopes to become an avid hiker and is looking for any and all recommendations on where to adventure next!