Life is taking me in a more entrepreneurial direction.

I'm stepping back from my work as the co-founder of a nonprofit community center, Collective Focus. After years of witnessing the ups and downs of the nonprofit industry, it is necessary for me to become more independent and versatile. My key priority is now developing a for-profit talent and project management agency, Global Hands.

Though I remain passionate about community fridges and clothing distributions, my mindset and strategy have shifted. The biggest change is making space for myself as an artist—my true nature which I've neglected for a long time.

I’m also analyzing the nonprofit industry and seeing its limitations. For the past 5 years, chasing after funding has been exhausting and volatile. It pushed my work in a direction that I’m now course-correcting by thinking more creatively from a perspective that centers interpersonal empowerment.

I may always have one foot in the nonprofit industry, but I’m establishing my own terms. So far this year, I’ve been approached by 3 amazing organizations for consulting and professional services.

Starting in May, I will be hosting a vendor pop-up

at one of my favorite businesses that I've been working with for years, Artisan Barber. 

Come visit me any Friday on the Upper East Side (unless it’s raining).

I'm selling handmade upcycled & vintage jewelry,

alongside hair products endorsed by Artisan Barber.

A portion of sales fund a campaign I'm developing with the Artisan Barber Foundation to provide free haircuts and mentorship for at-risk teenage boys.

On Saturday join me in Williamsburg

for a Goods Exchange & Style event by Global Hands. 

Learn more about GES by Global Hands by subscribing to my $5 Action Fund.

You can also contact me directly to get involved!

GES is organizing Resource Pop-ups once a month at local community fridge locations, like the beloved fridge Nevera de Marcy that is currently hosting us.

More Pop-ups!

As you can tell, one of my favorite actions is a pop-up event. 

I'm supporting even more short term activations in the upcoming months with my partners.

Keep an eye out for my collaborations with:

Brooklyn Museum
Magnolia Tree Earth Center
La Sirena Mexican Folk Art
Rave Cafe
& more

We win a few, we lose most... that's life!

It’s been hard work but I've received 3 recognitions in 2025. 

While most awards are symbolic, any recognition can be leveraged to bring awareness to social issues and create a bigger impact.

My biggest achievement of the year

is my work as a Create Change Artist-in-Residence. 

Funded and guided by the Laundromat Project, this special year-long residency has already changed my life.

I'm learning so much from the LP's programs and mentorship!

Last month I attended the 3-day Create Change Lab in upstate New York.
I also gave a presentation on my project:

A Community Fridge Restoration Tour in Central Brooklyn

Almost winning is motivation to keep going

and I'm grateful for everyone who voted last month. 

I was selected as 1 of 4 finalists for the Spirit of the City Award,
and I placed in the quarter finals in the Entrepreneur of Impact Prize.

While I did not win,
the experience I gained advocating for myself is priceless!

Had I won either, I planned to use the recognition as an opportunity to publicly confront and disrupt the status quo. I will continue to wait for the perfect opportunity to take action.

At the beginning of the year

I was in Mexico making new connections and learning. 

Seeing how organizers in this region approach mutual aid was an eye-opening experience.

Here I was in the most under-resourced district at the outskirts of my family's neighborhood in Guadalajara.

Ever since this trip, I've grown more determined to return to Mexico with my arms full of opportunities and resources to share.

Most recently I spent 3 days in Milwaukee

attending the Ali Forney Annual North American Conference. 

Hearing the experiences of other activists is an important step in the process of building strong, interconnected bridges of hope during currently unstable social and political times.

The Ali Forney Foundation is at the intersection of housing, mental health, and protecting LQBTQIA+ youth.

Because of experiences like these, my colleagues and I can expand our network of resources. Our mission is to benefit more people in Latin America and the USA.

Today marks exactly 12 weeks

since my reconstructive foot surgery. 

For the first 2 months, I couldn't walk. I'm still in recovery and physical therapy keeps me busy twice a week.

Healing has been difficult and expensive,
but I have not let these factors slow me down!

Now is the time to subscribe to my $5 monthly membership as I need your help to continue growing and eventually thrive.

Many of you reading this are already subscribed to Bri's Action Fund.

I'm so grateful for your support each month. 

You are the reason why my life is full of action!

As a member you get access to my online club where you are always welcome.

Here is your Membership Portal: