Hometown: Decatur, IL
Current Location: Springfield, IL
Can you tell us a bit about your background and what inspired you to pursue your current career path?
Originally, I thought my professional track would be government of non profit. In 2016 I put grad school at UIS on hold, and worked on a presidential campaign. After that loss, and some international travel, I started working for the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus. I spent 6 years there. Where I made many a life long friends. However, the pandemic, like it did for many others, made me rethink my career. I. 2021 I finally finished my Masters, and then in 2023 I stared as Community Outreach Manager. After a year and a half in that role, I decided to apply for the soon to be open executive director position. I did not believe I would get it, but I wanted to show the origination and our board how committed I was to our mission. To my surprise- I got it. This position has been the biggest undertaking of my life, but it has taught me so much. Being in a position to change lives and do good work has been everything I always wanted.
Who or what has been your biggest influence or mentor in your journey?
My best friend Will and my mom.
My mom passed away in 2023. But she was always in my corner. She lifted me up when I was down, and she saw in me all of my potential. I miss her daily.
I met my best friend Will at UIS, and he and I would agree, when we first met we didn’t see a lifelong friendship in our future. But, alas, here we are. Will has witnessed several “eras” of my life and my journey up to this point, and he has always been supportive. He is my closest confident, and friend.
At UIS my biggest mentor was my professor Adriana Crocker. She invested in me and pushed me to do my best work. Most importantly, she was patient. As it took five years to finish my graduate program!
What are your goals and aspirations for the future?
I take the future as it comes. I can’t say where I will be in five years, but I always will strive to make a meaningful impact on others.
In the times we find ourselves in, my fundamental belief is that in order to change the world, all of us must exist in the world authentically. Our differences, perspectives, and ideas all matter. Existing authentically and accepting those who also exist authentically, I believe leads us to finding common ground, mutual respect, and ultimately leads to the toning down the divide between us.
What advice would you give to others who are looking to advance and make a difference in their field?
Keep your options open. It’s easy to make a plan and pursue it relentlessly. Especially in college when the world feels ready for us to conquer. But life changes, and with that, our goals can change. That sometimes is scary. But don’t limit yourself. Take chances, and don’t be afraid to fail. Or discouraged when a dream is not what you imagined. Life takes us on journeys, embrace it.
What do you enjoy doing in your free time that helps you stay inspired and motivated?
Finding time for the people that matter to me. My close friends, family. Mental health walks, drives, brunch. Finding balance was hard for me. But it is important for success.
Is there anything else you would like to share with us?
My times at UIS are some of my favorite memories. I have no doubt I would not have got where I am today if it was not for the professors, and people I met there.