By Cate Fox, Ambitio US Director and Nichole M. Christian, Narrative Shifter
While it is hard to believe, Ambitio US is marking the end of year five (of no more than ten years). We are strategizing about sectoral and relational infrastructure for alternative economy work, supporting funders as they explore movement-aligned ways of investing, and determining how best to strengthen the field as our initiative approaches its sunset. We have mapped out some big plans for 2024!
Ambitio US is thrilled to welcome two new members to our team — Jonathon Freeman and Hannah Dominica Chua. Jonathon and Hannah bring perspectives, leadership, and lived experiences that will move Ambitio US to the next level. We all look forward to seeing you in the new year.
Meet Jonathon:
Jonathon Freeman (he, him, his) is a Program Officer for Ambitio US , CCI’s time-limited initiative, which encourages the development of burgeoning alternative economies and fresh social contracts in ways that artists and cultural communities can achieve financial freedom. Jonathon brings over 20 years of experience in community-based arts and culture work. He is a founding member of the Native Roots Network, an Indigenous community development organization that, most notably, has curated and organized Our Story: Native Art Exhibitions, advocated for Indigenous cultural revitalization, the protection of Indigenous lands and sacred sites, and is incubating Co-Lab Shasta, an intercultural solidarity economy development initiative. Previously, Jonathon served as the Program Director of Seventh Generation Fund for Indigenous Peoples and as the Board of Directors Vice-Chair for the Local Indians for Education, Inc. His most recent role was as a Community Development Coordinator within the HHSA Public Health Branch, where he facilitated a team of Community Organizers and Policy Analysts in equity and well-being initiatives.
Jonathon has an M.A. in Social Justice and Community Organizing from Prescott College, a B.S. in Parks and Natural Resource Management from California State University, Chico, and an A.A. in Indigenous Studies from Deganawidah-Quetzalcoatl University.
Meet Hannah:
Hannah Dominica Chua will occupy dual duties as a Program Associate supporting CCI’s Quick Grant program and Ambitio US . Born in the Philippines and raised on unceded Kumeyaay land (aka San Diego), Hannah (they/she) is a Pilipinx/ Chinese cultural organizer who works at the intersections of labor, education, and arts activism. As a first-generation college student and immigrant, Hannah is passionate about alternative modes of knowledge production and universal access to culturally responsive education.
She believes in the transformative power of storytelling as a tool to cultivate the radical imagination and inspire collective action. Hannah is committed to supporting the visions and livelihoods of arts practitioners and cultural workers engaged in the difficult work of reimagining a more just and equitable world for the most marginalized and systems-impacted communities. Before joining CCI, Hannah worked as the Systems and Research Coordinator at LA Commons , a community-grounded arts nonprofit empowering South LA artists, culture-bearers, youth, and community members through issue-driven, public art activations and advocacy.
Hannah is also an alum of Arts for LA’s ACTIVATE: Delegate program and is a member of the Pilipinx grassroots organization, GABRIELA Los Angeles. They graduated from UCLA with a B.A. in World Arts and Cultures and a minor in Pilipinx Studies. In their free time, they enjoy going to concerts, thrifting/upcycling second-hand clothing, and listening to really, really long video essays.
This article was originally published on Medium. Read it on Medium →