Caitlin O’Connell
Number: #52
Hometown: Albany, NY
High School: Albany High School
College/Grad School: University of Vermont/University of New England
Height: 5’10”
Born: October 9, 1990
She/Her
*Captain, PLG: Outreach Co
Rising’s tallest player at 5’10”, O’Connell uses her length, speed, and timing to apply smothering defensive pressure before becoming an open target going toward the endzone on a turn.
On the sideline and in her role as a captain, Caitlin brings high-level communication and thoughtful intentionality to building connection with teammates.
Raised in Albany, NY, Caitlin coaches the Long Creek Youth Development Center ultimate program and has represented Portland Frolic, Boston Brute Squad, and Boston Slow White at the club level. Outside of ultimate, the UVM and UNE alum brings her talents to the occupational therapy field.
I’ve been rising by raising my voice through policy advocacy. As an occupational therapist, a major role of mine is advocating on behalf of the folks I work with along the full spectrum of advocacy (from ‘everyday advocacy’ through the depths of national legislation).
Advocating for disability policy over the years has laid a foundation for me to engage with the legislative process and has acted as a launching pad for engaging with other issues on local and national levels.
Ibram X. Kendi argues that “racist policy” is a more exacting term compared to “systemic racism” or “institutional racism.” And that policies are either racist or antiracist, none are race-neutral. This has been a helpful lens for me to apply in understanding how deeply embedded racism is in our society. And also: a tangible avenue for chipping away at existing racist policies and pushing for the creation of antiracist ones.
Policy advocacy is one piece of a substantial pie of activism. If it’s a piece that you’ve shied away from because
a) the legislative process is too confusing,
b) you don’t know where to start,
c) you don’t think your voice will make a difference,
d) all of the above
...know that most everyone has been there (I very much have). I needed a nudge and a resource for where to begin. I’d love to be your nudge. And a resource, if helpful.
Reach out, let’s talk!