Name: Emily Spetrino
Position and Location
TES Arizona, Pathway Homes Grant
How long have you worked for Persevere?
Besides a brief hiccup earlier this Summer, I have been with Persevere since June 2022!
Where are you originally from?
Phoenix, AZ
What do you love most about your job?
Honestly, everything. Of course spending time inside of our sites, working directly with our developers pre-release, is probably on the top of the list, but getting to work with a such a variety of incredible humans on our Persevere team is life giving. I truly have enjoyed every aspect of this job so far!
Why Persevere?
I am an abolitionist full-stop. Despite those that might disagree, the work we are doing here at Persevere is actually disrupting the harm caused by the prison-industrial complex and (even if small) we are actually making a change in these systems of oppression that are at the core of what real abolition work is! For every person we keep out of the system – for any amount of time – that is absolutely a win!
I am an abolitionist full-stop. Despite those that might disagree, the work we are doing here at Persevere is actually disrupting the harm caused by the prison-industrial complex and (even if small) we are actually making a change in these systems of oppression that are at the core of what real abolition work is! For every person we keep out of the system – for any amount of time – that is absolutely a win!
What did you want to be when you were a kid?
A fashion designer, haha. I am a long way from that goal but maybe if we can shut these prisons down, I can finally do the work little me wanted to do!
A fashion designer, haha. I am a long way from that goal but maybe if we can shut these prisons down, I can finally do the work little me wanted to do!
Looking back on your life, who or what makes you instantly light up?
My kiddos and my friends. Community is everything to me and I’ve worked my entire life to build up the most solid group of humans to be a part of that. I am very grateful for the folks in my life here in AZ and all over!
What is the best piece of advice you have ever been given?
Let’s be real, anything Stephanie Morales suggests to me, I take that and run with it! But I don’t know if I could pinpoint a specific piece of advice – really I just want to cause the least amount of harm I can and do what I love and surround myself with laughter and friendship. I think that’s something we should all do!
Let’s be real, anything Stephanie Morales suggests to me, I take that and run with it! But I don’t know if I could pinpoint a specific piece of advice – really I just want to cause the least amount of harm I can and do what I love and surround myself with laughter and friendship. I think that’s something we should all do!
Describe your perfect day.
Putting together a solid look for the day, sharing a delicious breakfast and coffee with my kiddos and friends, thrifting, then coming home to chill out and make art – Perfect day.
Putting together a solid look for the day, sharing a delicious breakfast and coffee with my kiddos and friends, thrifting, then coming home to chill out and make art – Perfect day.
What are you most proud of about yourself?
I am super proud I have taken the steps to do what is life giving to me both professionally and personally. Setting boundaries. Learning to love myself.
I am super proud I have taken the steps to do what is life giving to me both professionally and personally. Setting boundaries. Learning to love myself.
Favorite Movie or TV show?
Currently: I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson or Project Runway Season 20
Currently: I Think You Should Leave with Tim Robinson or Project Runway Season 20
Do you have pets?
Dilly: A 2 year old Boston Terrier and Bubble: An ancient Chi-Weenie!
What is something about you that would surprise us?
Hmmm, I curate an art gallery here in Phoenix. I am trying to break into the stand-up comedy scene here as well. I am a visual artist and have my first solo (sorta) show happening in October!
Hmmm, I curate an art gallery here in Phoenix. I am trying to break into the stand-up comedy scene here as well. I am a visual artist and have my first solo (sorta) show happening in October!
How can we connect with you?
If you want to see my #ootd, weird art, what projects I am helping facilitate, or likely some Mutual Aid asks, you can check that all out via my Instagram @baubleboy