Her Story
Avery joined Working Within in February 2023 as an Associate Consultant, responsible for developing relationships with Black social change leaders and institutions with aligning values, researching information for projects, and being a Working Within representative. Before her time at Working Within, Avery worked with several organizations that centered racial and social justice. She was appointed a racial equity fellow for her graduate university, where she constructed a racial justice handbook for the university’s and local organizations’ use, while also facilitating town hall conversations about race and the university. She also worked with a housing discrimination non-profit as a tenant advocate, before managing a canvassing campaign against a Missouri amendment that would have a negative impact on people of color in the state.
Avery graduated from Washington University in St. Louis with a B.A. in Black Studies and an MSW focused in Social Economic Development. Here, she worked as a Communications intern for their Institute for Public Health, managing their social media and events outreach. She was also heavily involved in the dance program, something she has also taken into youth arts organizations where she’s worked as an instructor. Presently, she is a core member of a grassroots organization called Decarcerate KC. Here, her team organizes to create healthy, community-led alternatives to mass incarceration.
Avery currently resides in Kansas City, MO, where she’s looking to expand her reach in community organizing and connect with changemakers across the country. In her free time, she loves to travel, dance, listen to music and spend time with friends and family.