Not too long ago, Coco Wheeler was an MSW Intern right here at the True Colors Fund. Then, she worked with us part-time as a Program Associate. Now, she’s back as our new Program Officer!
Over the past few years, Coco has worked on our True Inclusion Directory and Toolkit, facilitated the True Inclusion Assessment with Covenant House International, and helped organize the 2017 40 of the 40 list.
We love us some Coco, and wanted to share the love with you. So we asked her a few questions to help you get to know her better…
Tell us a bit about your life and work prior to joining the True Colors Fund. Whatcha been up to?
Prior to joining the True Colors Fund, I worked as a case planner in both foster care and juvenile justice. I completed my MSW from the Silberman School of Social Work at Hunter College in 2016, and you may remember, I interned here at the True Colors Fund!
Why the True Colors Fund?
I’ve known that I wanted to do advocacy work within the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, and questioning (LGBTQ) community for years, but until recently I was not sure in what capacity. Through my direct service experience, it became clear to me that the outcomes for young people involved in these systems often included unstable housing – especially for LGBTQ youth. Enter the True Colors Fund.
What sort of work will you be up to in your new position – and what are you most excited about?
As a Program Officer, I will be mixing up some “macro” and “micro” level social work. My main projects include leading the True Fellowship, an opportunity for LGBTQ young people with lived experiences of homelessness to engage in national advocacy work, as well as the True Inclusion Assessment, where I will support service providers in becoming more inclusive and affirming for all young people.
What do you geek out about?
More than anything else, I love watching movies. My favorite directors include Michael Haneke, Rainer Werner Fassbinder, and Pedro Almodovar… but you better believe I’ve seen every romantic comedy and Pixar movie in history. I also love a good banana!
Join us in welcoming Coco back to the True Colors Fund team!