Instructor, engagement and event manager at Colorado State University
29 Years Old • Fort Collins
Tell us about yourself, your history and how you came to be where you are now.
I’m originally from New Jersey, then I moved around a bit before landing in Fort Collins in the spring of 2020. The move was inspired by the access to nature, community and a slower way of life than I was used to on the East Coast. Moving at the start of the pandemic, however, made it difficult to enter into or build community in Northern Colorado. I slowly gained my footing when I worked for a senior care company, where part of my job was networking throughout the city and state.
Explain your career, achievements and professional highlights.
Prior to my role at Colorado State University, my work focused on marketing and events. My current job has allowed me to expand my event management knowledge while also developing a passion for academia. At CSU, I run conferences and other stakeholder events, which have been extremely successful in the past four years. I also teach classes for both undergraduate and graduate students. Over the past year, I was a full-time student while working full time so I could earn a master’s degree and continue my teaching journey.
In what ways do you give back to the community?
Since living in Fort Collins, I have volunteered for the Food Bank for Larimer County, The Matthews House, different local events and community river cleanups. In the past year, I found time to volunteer for several CSU-related programs: the Administrative Professional Council’s Executive Committee, improving the workplace for thousands; the President’s Sustainability Commission, creating more sustainable practices at CSU and in Northern Colorado; and nature programs for minority and low-income communities. I also enjoy mentoring my students both in and out of the classroom.
What do you consider the biggest accomplishment or challenge you’ve overcome, either professionally or personally?
I had a difficult home life growing up. At age 29, I feel like I have fulfilled all the dreams I had as a kid, such as owning a home, having pets, being in a stable and secure marriage, having an amazing job and living in beautiful Colorado. Professionally, providing care for seniors during COVID was really difficult. I felt like I had to sacrifice my time and mental health so that those who needed help could rely on me.
Tell us something unique about you.
In addition to my work, I consider myself a local artist and create and sell crocheted earrings. I have some at Dandelions & Rust in downtown Fort Collins, and I occasionally buy a booth at local craft fairs.
Where do you see yourself in five years? In 10 years?
After finishing my master’s degree and teaching students, I realized that I’m very passionate about teaching and mentoring. Therefore, I have decided to pursue a PhD in human dimensions of natural resources at CSU. In five years, I hope to teach students full-time while collaborating with wildlife agencies to give more people access to nature and its benefits for our well-being. In 10 years, I hope to be a sought-after mentor to students and policy makers.
What piece(s) of advice would you give to your younger self?
Though it’s cliché, I’d say that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. Coming from a difficult home life, it would have meant everything to hear that. I’d also tell myself that it’s OK to not be serious all the time, which would have allowed me more time to focus on relationships rather than solely work and school.
Why do you think it’s important to protect access to nature for people of all backgrounds?
As I’ve learned in my role in CSU’s Human Dimensions of Natural Resources department, access to nature provides immense health and well-being benefits. When certain groups aren’t provided with opportunities to explore the natural world, they don’t have the same opportunities for a healthy lifestyle. I strongly believe that all minority groups should have the same access to human-nature interactions, whether that means hiking, fishing, wildlife viewing or anything else.
Tell us about the classes you teach at CSU. What is Human Dimensions of Natural Resources?
At CSU, I teach project management and event planning classes for natural resource tourism majors. These students are going into careers in the public sector, such as national parks; the private sector, such as nature guides; and the nonprofit sector, such as outdoor education groups. Human Dimensions of Natural Resources is a department that studies conservation social science and the ways humans interact with nature, natural resources and wildlife. The department also studies how humans are, in fact, a part of nature instead of being separate from it.
Local business shoutout:
The Fox Den is one of my favorite local coffee shops because it’s dedicated to no-waste principles. Whether you want a cup of joe, bulk coffee beans or other supplies, The Fox Den has it all.
