Paloma Wake (she/they) is the Forge Project Operations Director working directly with the Native leadership of Executive Director and Chief Curator, Candice Hopkins; Director of Relational Education, Sarah Biscarra Dilley; governance bodies, and the whole team on the daily functioning of the organization. Their work also includes, through guidance from Native leadership, developing and implementing the Land Remediation program and facilities initiatives.

Outside of Forge, Paloma is a council member in the city of Beacon where she worked to pass Good Cause Eviction legislation that protects renters. Their aim in office is to make local government more accessible and collaborative through initiatives like participatory budgeting and public policy forums.

“I am constantly inspired by the work that Forge is doing and I am very grateful to be able to support that work in whatever ways I can," says Paloma. "Indigenous sovereignty and land justice are foundational to every civil and social justice movement any of us could be working in today.”

Wake is also a member of Beacon Climate Action Now, a climate activist group focused on winning a green new deal locally. When Paloma isn’t working to make sure the entire Forge Project organization runs smoothly, you can find her deciding whether or not to water her plants or bake more bread.

Emily Alfeche

Residence Manager

Sarah Biscarra Dilley (yaktitʸutitʸu yaktiłhini [Northern Chumash])

Director of Relational Education

Frances Cathryn

Editorial Projects Manager

Candice Hopkins (Carcross/Tagish First Nation)

Executive Director & Chief Curator

Niki Hunt

Communications Coordinator

Amelia Russo

Collections & Exhibitions Director

Monica Sekaquaptewa (Diné/Hopi)

Manager of Relational Education

Ladan M. Siad

Development Coordinator

Paloma Wake

Operations Director

Phoebe Zinman

Development Director