In the fourth grade, I wrote a small paper about why I wished there was no money in the world. I had just recently opened the refrigerator door of a friend, and my whole world was shaken. From the day I saw a fridge stacked full of produce, juices, and pre-packed lunches I recognized money as a key factor in determining the kind of life you got to live. I felt an urge to change something, to make things better, and to make sure money wouldn't be a reason kids go hungry. Although my policy ideas have developed since my elementary school solution, I am still deeply rooted in a past of food insecurity and inspired to make changes for our future.
My degree in college focused on environmental policy, statistical analysis, and social movements for environmental change. I found myself continuously drawn towards community development and public engagement, pursuing two separate undergraduate research projects that influenced non-profit efforts and governmental policy. After college, I have continued to engage with local food systems through an Operations Manager position for a zero-waste grocery store and as a Board Member for a community garden non-profit called GROW. I intend to further pursue this interest through a graduate degree in public administration and eventually a career in non-profit management.
With a passion for community engagement, I sought out many leadership and involvement opportunities throughout my undergraduate degree. I was the Associate Director for the University of Utah's Sustainability Board, a member of the Sustainability Leadership Committee, President of EnviroClub, Co-director of the Environmental Action Team, and member of the Student Food Coalition. I also had the opportunity to research and analyze the University of Utah's food purchasing according to ecological, humane, and equitable standards. Afterwards, I worked with a team of students to develop a proposal for changes that could be made to the campus food system. Another experience involved working as a garden steward for a non-profit called Green Urban Lunchbox, which connected elderly individuals with community members who could transform their space into a unique community garden.
Additionally, my research positions also helped to develop my analytical abilities and passion for intersections across non-profit, business, and governmental sectors. The first project worked directly with a community organization to better understand the efficacy and impact of their volunteer driven efforts to reduce the spread of invasive plant species. The second involved studying the impacts of agriculture and climate on riparian plant communities in order to better implement conservation strategies. I also worked at the University of Utah's campus garden to write grants, coordinate volunteers, plan events, and participate in the garden's steering committee to guide the future direction of the gardens. Today, I am involved with the event planning, fundraising, and support of two non-profits in the Seattle area and I currently work in an operations management position.