Role
As the Community Action Program Coordinator, I support the operational and logistical scope of Community Action by developing and facilitating training sessions, retreats, and other programming to deepen student learning and strengthen leadership development. I also work to advise students, especially first-years, on pathways for continued service engagement post-CA.
Background
After leaving my career path as a scientist, my professional career has been dedicated to service and civic engagement in higher education. In 2016, I served as a team leader in AmeriCorps NCCC, where I worked alongside other young adults to strengthen and support communities (primarily following natural disasters). This experience inspired me to further pursue opportunities to connect and educate young adults on sustainably supporting the communities they are part of. After obtaining my master’s degree, I worked at the Rochester Institute of Technology in the Center for Leadership & Civic Engagement. While there, I was responsible for coordinating sustained and short-term service programming, building relationships with community partners, and chaired the university’s voter engagement initiative. I have earned a bachelor's degree in biology and a master's degree in higher education from Canisius College in Buffalo, NY.
Come Talk to Me About
- One-time service experiences
- Voter engagement
- Connecting and collaborating with community partners
- Event planning
- Sports
- Coffee
- Board and video games
- American Sign Language
What I’m Reading
I like looking for readings that allow me to expand my understanding and knowledge of where underserved communities have been in the past and how proposed solutions have led to meaningful change (if at all). I am currently reading The Working Poor: Invisible in America, a 2004 book by David K. Shipler. In this book, Shipler presents anecdotes and life stories of individuals considered the working poor. Using their lives as examples, he illustrates the struggles the working poor face while attempting to escape poverty. Throughout the book, the author describes numerous economic issues preventing the working poor from escaping poverty. In reading these shared stories from the early 2000’s, I can compare if/how resources have changed and reflect on whether real progress is being made toward alleviating poverty in the United States.
Favorite Community Spot
Though I don’t live nor eat in Princeton very often, I am in love with Planted Plate! Despite not being vegan, I often find myself recommending this spot to friends and colleagues. Every dish I have tried here has been incredible, and the staff are very friendly. My mouth is watering just thinking about their cactus bowl!