Vote for Jenifer

by juls [courtesy of Calitics: Soapblox California - Front Page]

The progressive community lost one of its most tireless behind the scenes actors when Maria Leavey suddenly passed away.  The folks at Take Back America have created the Maria Leavey Tribute Award in order to recognize an "unsung hero of the progressive movement whose behind-the-scenes work and selfless service made a big contribution to social justice."  Our own Jenifer Ancona has been nominated as a finalist.

Go vote for her!  More on Jen and Maria Leavey below the fold.
Here is a wonderful tribute to Maria.

And Jen's bio.

Jenifer Fernandez Ancona found success in the journalistic world, working her way from a small town paper to the Los Angeles Times. But her passion for justice and equality compelled her to leave the sidelines for the frontlines in the struggle for social change. With funding a perennial problem for volunteer activists, Ancona used her skills at building bridges to connect some of America's wealthiest philanthropists with people of color and low-income communities. She has delved into all aspects of organizing, from door knocking and phone canvassing in local elections to organizing donor events and crafting communication strategy.

Her overarching goal in her words is to "build a flourishing, multi-racial and participatory democracy, focused on social justice and environmental sustainability. We can have a global civilization where diversity is celebrated and human conflict is reconciled not through violence and humiliation, but with love, dignity and mutual respect."

I never had a chance to meet Maria, only knowing her through email. But from the touching tributes that I have seen, it is a high honor to be nominated for such an award in her memory.  So congratulations Jen.  And good luck!