Professional Experience: Theresa is a social worker and strategic consultant with over 15 years of experience in civic and community engagement, community organizing, nonprofit management, and facilitation. Since joining Kinetic West in 2022, Theresa has led and supported complex multi-stakeholder projects across sectors, including education, workforce development, economic development, healthcare, hospitality, tech, and more. Prior to joining the Kinetic West team, Theresa served as Associate Director for Civic Engagement at Washington University in St. Louis and was the founding executive director of Asian & Pacific Islander American Vote – Michigan, where she organized Asian American political power statewide. Other areas of Theresa's professional work have included youth development, social justice education, and facilitating intergroup dialogue. Theresa is a proud two-time graduate of the University of Michigan, where she earned both her Master of Social Work and her bachelor's degree in psychology, with a minor in Asian/Pacific Islander American studies.

Why I do this work: Growing up in the Metro Detroit area as the daughter of Vietnamese refugees, my lived experience and unrelenting commitment to anti-racism have long informed the consistent through-line in my career: centering the voices of those who have been systematically pushed to the margins or made to feel invisible. Our collective liberation requires it. A quote I come back often to remind myself of this comes from the late Grace Lee Boggs: "In this exquisitely connected world, it's never a question of 'critical mass.' It's always about critical connections." I deeply believe that core to realizing lives of dignity for all - as we strive for here in our work at Kinetic West - we must do the hard work of practicing empathy, leading with humility, and being in right relationship with one another. As a mother of two young ones, it is especially important that I model this every day for them.

Where you’ll find me when I’m not consulting: Find me with my husband Dennis, digging deep into our energy reserves to keep up with our two rambunctious kiddos, Henry and Evan. Our free-time is spent enjoying the outdoors (if weather permits), or finding other activities that keep our kids curious and exploring. I also volunteer my time as a board member for Asian Counseling & Referral Services (ACRS), a local social justice organization that promotes the health and well-being of A&NH/PIs and other communities. If there's time to spare, I love taking on a good baking project and am often working to perfect my take on homey Vietnamese dishes. Taste testers always welcome!