Tina Beck is responsible for designing and overseeing the Just Economy Institute programs, community engagement activities and systems management. Prior to launching JEI in 2017, Tina served as Senior Events Producer at Social Venture Network and Volunteer Director at Paul Newman’s Painted Turtle Camp. These communities were real-life learning labs, where Tina was instrumental to hosting a wide range of experiences and programs for curious, dedicated leaders and learners, across sectors and backgrounds.
The common thread throughout Tina’s career has been her passion and skill for building community and cultivating relationships. Tina is also committed to her own inner work, and grateful to be in service to change agents, creating the conditions for their reflections, a-has, and shared efforts to come to life.
A native Seattleite, Tina studied marine biology at the University of Washington, and loves beachcombing for pretty rocks and sand dollars. True to the spirit of JEI, as a freshman in college she decided to stop looking at her grades, observing the many subjective influences on grading and not wanting to participate in that system. “I chose to study marine biology because it gave me the most joy, just pure learning and exploration. Our work at JEI calls on that ability to connect dots, and learn how to build well-being across ecosystems.”
Reflecting on JEI’s core values — Community, Interconnectedness, Transformation — which value speaks to you most, at this moment in time? Why?
Community. I believe community is essential to our well being. It can save us from isolation and alienation, and provide a sense of belonging, security and strength. Community is about growing with others and taking care of each other. It’s what grounds us. When we are in community, we feel safe, supported, seen and respected. We know it’s going to take collaborative solutions to solve systemic problems. We need to support each other to be our best selves so that we can continue to do the work that needs to be done. We can’t do this work alone. And we don’t have to.
What are a few things about you that would surprise other people?
- I tried sky-diving and bungee-jumping to conquer my fear of heights. Didn’t work.
- I love propagating plants to share with friends.
- I traveled solo around the world and look forward to doing it again.
What movements for a just economy, past or present, inspire you?
- The Women’s Rights Movement! And #MeToo Movement, which has expanded to become an international movement for marginalized people in marginalized communities.
- Occupy Wall Street sparked national conversations about wealth and income inequality, corporate greed, and the corrupting influence of corporations on politics. While the movement has disappeared, the conversations continue.
- M4BL (Movement for Black Lives) calling for criminal justice reform, ending police brutality against Black people, and reparations for past and continuing harms.
I support and maintain healthy ecosystems, whether it’s in my workplace, circle of friends, immediate family, or community. I love creating the conditions that allow people to connect, collaborate and thrive…always seeking balance and harmony. Recognizing that biodiversity is what allows ecosystems to work and flourish, I provide the stability that’s needed to protect and conserve biodiversity.
