Meet Teresa – Dev & Comms Associate

We here at the California Association of Food Banks are excited to introduce you to the newest member of our team — Teresa King! As CAFB’s Development and Communications Associate you’ll be hearing a lot from her. She joins us in her dedication to ending hunger here in California and we’re excited to see how she’ll help us push foward this ambitious goal. Read on to learn a bit more about Teresa.
 

Tell me about your life.

I’m a second generation San Francisco native and I lived in New York, Santa Cruz, and Colorado before concluding that there is no place I love more than the Bay Area. I love foggy, overcast weather, hiking, and listening to podcasts. I spend a lot of time reading and thinking about self-determination, bodily autonomy, and the potential for radical social transformation.

How did you get into communications and development work?

I’ve always been passionate about writing and relationship-building, and I wanted to establish a career for myself that felt reflective of my values. I seriously considered going into healthcare while in undergrad, but ultimately felt my personality was better suited to systems-level work rather than direct care.

What’s a surprising skill of yours?

I am a competitive Scrabble player, I also excel at reading three books at once.

Which skill or talent would you most like to have?

I would love to become more versed with nonviolent conflict resolution and de-escalation techniques, I am also an aspirational morning person.

Tell us something you’ve done but never thought you would.

Transitioned from caregiving work into a 9-5 schedule!

What are you most passionate about?

Feminist politics, progressive social change, and community empowerment.

What’s your perfect meal?

Anything incorporating bread, cheese, fruit, and coffee.

What’s your favorite meal to cook?

I am a novice cook but I love trying my hand at new recipes, especially the healthier versions of comfort foods. I am an Instant Pot enthusiast and my current favorite recipe is a chicken pot pie soup.

Who are your heroes in real life?

Angela Davis, Ursula LeGuin, James Baldwin

What is your motto?

Align your self-discovery within the context of community empowerment, justice, and liberation.