"I fell in love with the people and the land of Central America, which made me realize my responsibility to this world as a global citizen."
I was born in Des Moines, Iowa but was too young to remember those years. I moved to Minnesota when I was a toddler and was blessed with my
younger sister and best friend, Maggie. I am the daughter of a pastor who taught me what truly matters in life. My mother has been a source
of strength, love, and guidance to me. Everything that I have in life and who I am today is because of my family. They are the most important part of who I am.
Many of my memories growing up are from days in Northern Minnesota with my parents, sister, and grandparents at our family cabin. This is where I developed
my love for the outdoors. I grew to have a deep respect and connection to nature. This is still a principle that guides me in life today. The cabin is still
a sacred place to me and my family, and I enjoy spending as much time as possible there.
I have always known that my path would lead me to service work. Volunteering has been a part of my life since I can remember. Growing up, my parents instilled
the value of contributing to the world around us. Whether it was spending days at a local soup kitchen, helping out at the nursing home, or mentoring troubled youth,
service work has always been a huge part of who I am.
After high school, my love of the outdoors brought me to Ely, Minnesota and then to Duluth. I spent a few years working and learning the principles of
sustainable farming. My passion for wilderness and nature grew into a career in organic agriculture. I moved to Olympia, Washington to pursue a self-designed
degree in ecological agriculture and community development.
While earning my bachelor of arts in Washington I was fortunate to work with people who shared my visions for the world. It was in Washington where I focused
my interest on sustainable community and international development.
My first opportunity in Olympia was at a horticulture therapy farm. I was part of an organization that produced and marketed organic food, while at the same
time giving independence and employment to adults with developmental disabilities. I learned through this experience that society is much stronger if all of
its members are included.
I went on to work at the Skokomish reservation where I assisted in the design of and implementation of a medicinal garden that was used by the tribal elders.
I also helped farm the organic food that was used by the tribe. Working at the reservation helped me realize the importance of developing sustainable communities.
My final year at Evergreen was spent doing a year long research project examining the global coffee trade. This project lead me to spend winter of 2005 living
and studying in Central America. I worked with several sustainable coffee cooperatives developing a marketing relationship with consumers in the United States.
Upon retuning in the spring, I took a leadership role in developing a nonprofit chapter for Fair Trade coffee in Olympia. The nonprofit promotes both an educational
exchange between students and farmers in Central America and also the direct marketing of coffee. I fell in love with the people and the land of Central America,
which made me realize my responsibility to this world as a global citizen.
Upon returning to home in Minnesota I was fortunate to find a career that echoes my values and utilized my strengths here at Global Volunteers. I am excited to
be able to continue to contribute to the international community and to help other people to do the same.
Some of my favorite things include spending time with loved ones, traveling, gardening, camping in the Boundary Waters, living in St. Paul with my fabulous
roommate, my sister, hiking, road trips and really good coffee.
“Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.”
~ Margaret Mead
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