I am excited to join the UniverCity Alliance as the outreach specialist because I am passionate about local government and community engagement. This interest developed during my time at Northland College (located in Ashland, WI), from which I graduated with a dual bachelor’s degree in Sustainable Community Development and Sociology. While in school, I interned with the City of Ashland and worked as an undergraduate researcher with the Center for Rural Communities. Upon graduating, I served as the Assistant City Planner before becoming Director of Planning and Development for almost four years. I then served as the Grants Administrator for Beloit, WI for approximately two and a half years. I look forward to applying my experience in local government to the important work that UCA does to support and empower communities.