COMMUNITY WORK

The work beside the work.

Across Alaska, Atlanta, Baltimore, Washington DC, and Houston, I have kept returning to the same question: what can I help make more useful, more connected, or more available?

Begin the story

Community work has never felt separate from the rest of my life. It is where I learned to listen across differences, work inside imperfect systems, and stay with a problem long enough for people to trust the process.

Throughline: 15+ years of service
Reach: Four states and Washington DC
Focus: Access, education, civil rights

IN COMMUNITY

The work, in the room and on the ground.

Community work has taken different forms over the years. The constant is showing up beside other people.

Three East End Market organizers standing in front of the market sign — At the East End Market in Ward 7.

Community members talking among garden beds and a greenhouse — Working alongside a community garden.

Manny speaking onstage beside a laptop and microphone — Speaking at a community technology gathering.

Alaska Human Rights Commission name badge on Manny's suit jacket — Serving with the Alaska Human Rights Commission.

Manny speaking during an online Gresham Hills neighborhood meeting — Neighborhood organizing continued online.

Manny smiling beside a young student in a classroom — Youth mentorship in practice.

Neighbors holding signs during a public park advocacy meeting — Public advocacy at Intrenchment Creek Park.

Five community volunteers standing together at a neighborhood garden — Community volunteers at a neighborhood garden.

1 / 8

CIVIC LIFE

Representation starts with showing up.

Some roles were formal. Others began with a neighborhood problem and the willingness to stay involved.

State of Alaska Human Rights Commission

Human Rights Commissioner · Alaska

Investigated discrimination matters statewide and served within Alaska's civil-rights process.

Visit the organization

Gresham Hills Neighbors Association

President · Atlanta

Led civic advocacy for a neighborhood organization representing roughly 80,000 residents.

Visit the organization

Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson

Honorary Commander · Anchorage

Served as a military-civilian partnership liaison, connecting base leadership and the surrounding community.

ACCESS

Build the thing the neighborhood needs.

Food access, early education, and local economic activity are different problems. They all become more workable when people have a place to meet and a structure for acting together.

East End Market

Founder · Washington DC, Ward 7

Created a community marketplace connecting residents with fresh food, local vendors, and neighborhood resources.

Visit the organization

Smart from the Start

Board member · Washington DC

Supported an organization focused on early childhood education and family access.

Visit the organization

AWS HQ2 philanthropy

Philanthropic board member · Washington DC

Helped connect corporate resources with community work around Amazon's second headquarters.

MENTORSHIP

Service also happens one person at a time.

Big Brothers Big Sisters

Mentor · Alaska

Provided one-on-one youth mentorship.

Junior Achievement USA

Volunteer teacher · Alaska and Houston

Taught financial literacy to K–12 students.

US Dream Academy

Mentor · Baltimore

Supported children whose parents were incarcerated.

What community partners say

I have always been impressed with how Manny dives into helping every community he has lived in. He has great enthusiasm and integrity.

— Judy S. — Longtime manager and colleague

Manny impressed me with his calm demeanor, thoughtful leadership style, and deep commitment to the well-being of our community. He is the kind of leader any community would be fortunate to have.

— Wendell C. — Neighborhood leadership partner

Manny is a true community builder, constantly seeking ways to support those around him — professional mentorship, volunteering his time, or simply offering a listening ear. His ability to connect with people from all walks of life and inspire collective action makes him stand out.

— Robin P. — Friend and colleague

He has been heavily involved in every community he's lived in — specifically ensuring those with limited resources have access to high-quality nutrition. Always first to offer a hand or kind word.

— Irwin R. — AWS colleague and mentor

THE DOOR IS OPEN

There is always more to learn from the people doing the work.

If you are building something useful for your neighborhood, I am open to the conversation.

Write to Manny