Relevant Experience:
Sustainability Coordinator ┃Bernalillo County┃ Albuquerque, NM ┃2023 – present
As the Sustainability Coordinator, I work alongside County departments and employees to: optimize the operational footprint of the County and reduce overall resource consumption, ensure County facilities and services are prepared to absorb the impacts of Climate Change, engage Bernalillo County residents in efforts to address climate related vulnerabilities within their communities, minimize further contributions of greenhouse gas emissions and environmental pollutants with the goal of reaching net- zero emissions by 2050, and safeguard natural resources and local ecosystems as a means of blunting the effects of climate change.
Impact Grant Specialist ┃United Way of North Central New Mexico┃ Albuquerque, NM ┃2022 - 2023
As the Impact Grant Specialist, I supported the mission of UWCNM through the coordination and administration of the Community Investment Fund grant process. My primary responsibilities included managing the administration of grant applications, grant reports, and volunteer assignments in Submittable software while providing excellent customer service to UWCNM staff, community agencies, panel volunteers, and the Community Impact Council.
Tenant and Neighborhood Engagement Manager ┃Homewise ┃ Albuquerque, NM ┃2021 - 2022
As the Tenant and Neighborhood Engagement Manager, I oversaw multiple commercial and residential properties in Albuquerque’s Barelas neighborhood. I advocated for and responded to the needs of our commercial and residential tenants, while also working to maintain and improve property conditions at each location. I also planned and coordinated construction and repair projects, energy efficiency improvements, plumbing updates, HVAC upgrades, window replacements, and security upgrades for each property.
Planner ┃City of Albuquerque ┃ Albuquerque, NM ┃2020 – 2021
As a Planner with the City of Albuquerque Behavioral Health and Wellness Division, I researched and developed ways in which social determinants of health data could be used to improve social services, and more effectively disperse city funding. I researched and developed innovative treatment approaches for vicarious trauma, methamphetamine, and fentanyl addiction, and other forms of substance abuse. I also monitored several community behavioral health organizations that were under contract or received funding for programming through the City of Albuquerque.
In 2021, I transferred to the Planning Department’s Urban Design and Development Division. There, I performed professional planning work with a focus on the collection of environmental and community resiliency data that could inform updates to the City's Integrated Development Ordinance.
Consultant ┃Third Space Development ┃ Des Moines, IA ┃ 2015 - 2021
Third Space Development was my personal community development consulting service. Through this effort, I assisted community stakeholders in Illinois and Iowa, with the development of unique community resiliency programs, creative placemaking initiatives, and community engagement strategies. I also led wide-reaching public art campaigns and operated a community arts and culture center in Des Moines called Third Space DSM.
Community Development Director ┃Community Housing Initiatives ┃Des Moines, IA┃2016 - 2019
As Community Development Director for Iowa’s largest nonprofit affordable housing agency, my work focused on the management of a community coalition overseeing revitalization efforts in three Des Moines neighborhoods. There, I collaborated with local stakeholders to address historic disinvestment and develop initiatives that would bring about tangible social, environmental, and economic impacts. Together we developed long-range community plans, invested in affordable housing, improved public infrastructure, improved public open spaces, assisted local businesses with energy efficiency and building repairs, and provided arts and culture programming for the community.
Project Manager ┃ The Delta Institute ┃ Chicago, IL ┃ 2015-2016
Delta Institute is a Chicago-based environmental non-profit that works with communities throughout the Midwest to solve complex environmental challenges. As a Project Manager, I engaged major anchor institutions, community development organizations, and elected officials, to determine sustainable revitalization and reuse strategies for vacant and underutilized tracts of land on Chicago's west side. I also assisted with federal grant applications, waste audits for commercial institutions, and LEED certifications for commercial clients in downtown Chicago.
Sustainability Programs Manager ┃ Andersonville Development Corporation ┃ Chicago, IL ┃ 2010 - 2015
Andersonville Development Corporation is a Chicago neighborhood economic development agency committed to supporting vibrant, locally focused, and resilient communities. As the Sustainability Programs Manager, I engaged residents, business owners, property owners, and elected officials, in efforts to foster social, environmental, and economic sustainability within our community and beyond. Initiatives I developed and managed during this time included: education and outreach regarding climate change and environmental justice, a sustainable business certification program, a green building and energy efficiency incentive program, a neighborhood-wide composting and recycling program, advocacy for sustainable and equitable transportation, and management of a sustainable development training for Chicago economic development agencies.
Intern ┃ Green Restaurant Association ┃ Boston, MA ┃ 2009 – 2010
The Green Restaurant Association is a nonprofit organization that works with restaurants around the world to help them adopt more environmentally sustainable practices. As an intern, I researched environmentally sustainable restaurant products and equipment, and I assisted restaurants with incorporating these products into their operations.
Intern ┃ The Green Roundtable ┃ Boston, MA ┃ 2008 – 2009
The Green Roundtable is a non-profit whose mission is mainstreaming green building and sustainable development using the tools of education, technical assistance, and policy. While at Green Roundtable, I managed a public green building materials resource library, developed educational programming, and assisted with LEED certifications.
Education:
Prescott College ┃Prescott, AZ┃ Master of Science, Resilient and Sustainable Communities ┃ 2024
Iowa State University ┃Ames, IA┃ Bachelor of Science, Environmental Studies ┃ 2008
Iowa State University ┃Ames, IA┃ Bachelor of Science, History ┃ 2008
Career Achievements:
2022 Next City Vanguard Fellow
2018 Young Professional Committee of Des Moines, Creative of the Year Award recipient.
2016 and 2017 University of Chicago Ethical Redevelopment Salon Fellow
2013 City of Chicago Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Council, Advocacy Award recipient
2013 City of Chicago Special Service Area, Excellence in Commercial District Beautification Award recipient