Nze Okoronta

Nze (they/them) is an advocate, writer and public speaker currently living, working and organizing in Madison, WI. They are known for work surrounding mental health crisis services, peer run respites, warmlines, harm reduction and peer support supervision. Nze has been involved in and provided direct support to organizations doing work around alternative responses to policing, civil rights protections, disability justice, housing + houselessness, and intersectional liberation struggles specifically within Black and LGBTQ+ identified peoples. Nze has past work experience in racial equity, racial justice, housing, public health, disability advocacy, clinical substance use counseling, and population-specific substance use program development for Black and Brown communities.

Nze is currently the Co-Executive Director of a peer-led organization, overseeing Solstice House, a Peer Respite & Warmline and managing a small team of peers providing direct support in the community. They currently serve on various statewide advisory councils, coalitions and task forces. They also offer independent training and consulting for organizations and the general public.

Currently, Nze is studying deathwork and conflict transformation with the intention of supporting people navigating grief, change and loss. Nze feels most whole when surrounded by trees. After many long afternoons spent at work in the community, they can be found hiking in the woods alongside their dog familiar (Pluto) or stargazing in a field.