Notes from Newbies: Why We Chose to Work at P.A.C.E. and What We’ve Learned So Far
We’re Tiana and Aliyah, two new members of the P.A.C.E. team, and we’re excited to share our experiences as we settle into our roles. Tiana is the Partnerships Associate, and Aliyah serves as the Executive Assistant. We both come from different professional backgrounds but were drawn to PACE by a shared desire to create systemic change through advocacy, communication, and engagement campaigns. Through this blog, we are excited to share with our partners, colleagues, and each other why we chose to work at PACE., why mission-driven work is important to us, and what we’ve learned so far in our roles.
Why We Joined P.A.C.E.
Tiana:
I’ve always been passionate about creating systemic change, and PACE’s mission deeply resonates with me. As a first-generation Afro-Latina from the South Bronx, education was my gateway to success. Without a full scholarship and the guidance of dedicated teachers, I wouldn’t be in a position to advocate alongside local leaders today. Growing up, I saw firsthand how underfunded schools and lack of resources negatively impacted my community. Witnessing my brother struggle with untreated speech challenges made me determined to work for a cause that lifts up communities like mine. At PACE., I feel like I’m fulfilling that purpose by helping drive real, impactful change.
Aliyah:
What drew me to PACE. was its commitment to improving voter turnout and access to quality education. As a former elementary educator and Teach For America corps member, I’ve seen how civic participation can empower individuals and transform communities. My background in education, operations, and community engagement has given me a deep appreciation for mission-driven work, and I was excited to bring my skills to support PACE’s initiatives. I’m eager to contribute to strengthening community engagement and advocating for educational equity—work that feels meaningful and necessary.
The Importance of Mission-Driven Work
Tiana:
Working at a mission-driven organization like PACE. gives me purpose and fulfillment. I’m directly involved in helping people find their voices through voter participation campaigns, and I can see the tangible results of our work in the communities we serve. Collaborating with passionate colleagues to push ads, launch communication plans, and support local leaders in advocating for educational resources is both inspiring and rewarding. I’m proud to be part of something bigger, something that’s truly making a difference.
Aliyah:
For me, working for a mission-driven organization is about aligning my daily efforts with my core values. PACE’s focus on voter engagement and education access addresses two critical pillars of societal change. The difference between simply having a job and working for a cause is the sense of purpose that drives you every day. At PACE., I’m contributing to something that matters—helping ensure that communities are heard and have access to the resources they need to thrive.
Our Roles at P.A.C.E
Tiana:
As the Partnerships Associate, I manage partnerships and campaigns, ensuring smooth communication and coordination across teams. Right now, I’m working on voter participation campaigns, anniversary events, and awareness campaigns for specific policies. This role is new for me, but I love it because I’m directly contributing to change. Seeing people engage with the campaigns I’ve helped create is incredibly exciting and motivates me to keep pushing for more.
Aliyah:
As Executive Assistant, I provide high-level administrative and operational support to PACE’s leadership team. I’m excited to use my experience in operations and project management to ensure everything runs smoothly behind the scenes, allowing our leadership to focus on driving forward our mission. It’s rewarding to know that I’m playing a key role in enabling PACE’s success.
Looking Ahead
Tiana & Aliyah:
Our time at PACE has been filled with learning and growth. We’re both inspired by the work we do, and while advocating for educational equity and voter engagement isn’t easy, we believe that the challenges are worth it. We’re committed to making a lasting impact, and we’re excited about the opportunities ahead. Together, we hope to continue contributing to PACE’s mission of building stronger communities and driving positive change.
By Aliyah Graves and Tiana Zuniga
