We’re thrilled to have Omar Carrillo-Tinajero on board. Omar actually worked for NP two legislative sessions ago and now he’s back in a new capacity. Omar will manage NP’s housing policy work and lead efforts to expand and diversify the membership and leadership of the Housing Alliance. I asked Omar a few questions so we could all get to know him better.
What will you be doing at NP?
I’ll help plan and execute our 25th anniversary conference and manage our housing policy, advocacy, and engagement efforts. We will continue to expand and diversify the membership and leadership of the Housing Alliance to secure policy victories that expand opportunities for all members of our communities.
What area of expertise and interest do you have?
I’m interested in people, relationships, and the formation (and dismantling) of community. I’m particularly interested in advancing social and economic equity through public policy (housing, health, education, transportation) and expanding opportunity for communities of color and low income people. A lot of my thinking is vaguely, but profoundly, informed by critical race theory and the intersections of race, gender, class, and sexual orientation.
What does opportunity mean to you?
It means equitable interaction, access and exposure to people, information, systems, and places, which ultimately allows individuals to craft and pursue their ideal happiness.
What difference can quality, affordable housing make for individuals and communities?
A lot, much of which is hard to quantify. We all know from our individual experiences and from our interaction with the world that having a place to call home is incredibly important in our society.
Do you have a favorite quote?
I do, but it changes every time I read a novel. I guess that means I don’t.
Choose one author, living or dead, that you’d like to have dinner with.
That’s hard. Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie comes to mind. But that’s probably because I just finished reading Americanah and it was so, so great. Also Hilton Als. But that’s also because I recently read White Girls and it blew my mind. But maybe I should choose a dead person; I’ll go with James Baldwin.