We’re thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Coco as our Interim Associate Director. Coco brings a wealth of experience in community organizing and a deep-rooted commitment to social justice that will strengthen our work during this important time. We’re also excited to announce that Miguel Brito, former WSCO Board member, will be joining our staff as an Organizer in Training. Miguel will support a variety of campaigns across focus areas including land use, housing justice, youth empowerment, environmental justice, immigrant rights, and more.
What drew you to WSCO?
COCO: I first learned about WSCO in 2014 as a community grantmaker with the Headwaters Foundation for Justice— it was the first ever grant I approved! Since then, I have grown to love and deeply believe in the power of place-based work, which ultimately has shaped my professional journey. I have seen first-hand how anchoring in place allows for a unique set of strategies and relationships to take shape that drive real impact—change that folks can feel day to day. WSCO is leading powerful work here on the West Side—as a "builder" I am thrilled to contribute to enhancing WSCO's role!
MIGUEL: I first got involved with WSCO at 16 after a neighbor encouraged me to try community organizing. Once I joined, I met many community leaders who helped me grow as a person and a leader. Now, it's an honor to be part of the team doing this work full-time.
What excites you most about this role?
COCO: The Associate Director position is an exciting new role for WSCO as an organization. I see it as a great opportunity to strengthen organizational infrastructure so that WSCO can live into and amplify its important role as a powerful connector, organizer and hub for social change on the West Side and the City of Saint Paul! As interim, I am committed to ensuring the permanent hire and WSCO have the tools and systems in place for this team structure to be successful!
MIGUEL: I'm excited to support others who are interested in community work, just like others supported me. I'm also excited to commit my time to being deeply engaged with my own community. There is a lot of very important work happening in our community and being able to get others involved is extremely exciting!
Can you share a bit about your background and experience?
COCO: I was born and raised in Velletri, Italy and relocated to Minnesota in 2008. I'm bringing over a decade of experience working in the nonprofit and philanthropic space. Most recently, I served as Deputy Director of the Rondo Community Land Trust, before jumping back into my consulting work full-time in fall 2024. Prior to this, I was Program Director of Economic Ecosystem Grantmaking at The Jay and Rose Phillips Family Foundation. When I am not working, you can catch me cycling around the lakes or searching for the best "caffe macchiato" in town!
MIGUEL: I'm a lifelong West Sider, born and raised here. I started as a volunteer with WSCO, then worked as a Recreation Leader at El Rio Vista, organizing activities for local youth. Most recently, I was a Public Engagement Coordinator at NewPublica, focusing on transportation projects and working closely with BIPOC communities.