We are excited to introduce you to the CALC program's newest teammates.
Tanniqua-Kay Buchanan joined CALC in January as our new Community Streets Program Administrator who will lead CALC Micro-Grants and Community Streets efforts in Denver. Sam Olson joined CALC in February as our new Policy Administrator who will monitor CALC's and DOTI's work towards Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) changes.
We hope you get a chance to meet them at one of our upcoming CALC meetings or community events!
Tanniqua-Kay Buchanan, Community Streets Program Administrator:
Hey! My name is Tanniqua-Kay Buchanan. I’m your new Community Streets Program Administrator. I’m honored to be working on the Micro-Grant Program and Community Streets Program.
I’m originally from Chicago and moved to Denver in October 2020. I love Art and Culture, so you can find me at Art Galleries/Museums, traveling, enjoying live jazz shows, or dance performances. I am also an independent artist, so occasionally I am curating interactive performance-based work or choreographing/ creative directing dance films.
I have a unique professional background in the Arts, Wellness, and Urban Planning field. My undergraduate degree is in Theater with a Dance emphasis and a Community Planning minor. I have a Master’s in Urban Planning concentrating in Spatial Planning from the University of Illinois at Chicago. I also am a certified breathwork instructor.
I’m inspired by the community voice as it relates to public art, placemaking, and place keeping. I’m excited to co-create and collaborate with community members on projects that contribute to enhancing Denver neighborhoods quality of life. I believe that an equitable, just, and vibrant city comes from the tender heart of the people.
Sam Olson, Policy Administrator:
Hello, my name is Sam (she/her), and I am joining DOTI as the CALC policy person! I grew up in Michigan, joined AmeriCorps VISTA for 2 years, and returned to Michigan to complete a master's in social work and a master's in urban planning at University of Michigan. My partner and I moved to Denver in 2018 and have been working local government in affordable housing and homelessness.
Prior to DOTI, I was with Denver’s Department of Housing Stability (HOST) working on shelter systems and operations. I am passionate about equity and access, and I believe all beings deserve a safe place to live, rest, and strive. I am a sucker for continuous process improvement and spreadsheets.
During my downtime, I am often spending time with my partner Drew, walking our brindled pup Fern around Cheesman Park, providing unsolicited cuddles to our cat Hilda, collecting books and sometimes reading, watching a movie/show, and signing up for fitness challenges like rock climbing classes, tri sprints, or the Colfax half marathon (help!).
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