Education
BA Political Science, minor in Politics and Law and minor in International Affairs, 2008
Master of Public Administration, Drake University, 2010

Why did you choose to attend UNI? What factors influenced your reason for studying your major?
Both my parents are UNI graduates and I was born in Cedar Falls while they were students at UNI. I have fond memories as a youngster attending class with my mom and playing in the sandbox at UNI’s married student housing. We would attend UNI wrestling and basketball events throughout my childhood. When I was in high school UNI was the first college I toured. It just felt like home.

My family was a house divided on the political spectrum, but the commonality was a commitment to civic duty and participation in the democratic process. Caucusing and voting was always a family affair for myself and my siblings. Anytime a president or a candidate was in town, it turned into a family outing, usually followed by a family debate on a variety of policy issues. It was not uncommon to talk politics and religion at our dinner table. When I chose political science as my major, it seemed like the most natural fit! It was a big bonus to me that UNI had a robust political science program!

What do you do in your current position? What do you enjoy about it?
In my current role I serve as the Vice President of the Iowa Credit Union League (ICUL) the trade association for the Iowa credit union movement. I oversee the ICUL member services and events teams and provide vision and strategy to support the ongoing success of the Iowa credit union movement. In addition to this role, I also provide strategic oversight and leadership to the philanthropic arm of ICUL, the Iowa Credit Union Foundation where I serve as the acting Executive Director.

I am a passionate advocate for the Iowa credit union movement because I have personally witnessed the credit union difference and “people helping people” philosophy of credit unions in action. From small dollar loans to help a member pay rent, to emergency cash assistance to a family who lost their home in a flood. The more than 1 million Iowans who are credit union members are not just numbers, they are individuals, families, farmers and small business owners who benefit from the cooperative financial institution model. I love getting to know our credit union members and learning their credit union impact stories. 

How did your major help prepare you for your current role? What skills are you still using today?
I took just about every class I possibly could in the political science department during my time at UNI. Some of my favorite classes were taught by both tenured professors and adjunct professors. The diverse offerings of classes were outstanding. I took every law class offered including family and juvenile law taught by a Judge and a course on international affairs and terrorism from professors who had actual hands on diplomacy experience. UNI’s faculty within the political science department not only challenged me academically but also gave me real life and practical examples of applying the course learning to real life. I found my first job working in politics through the UNI political science department.

What is a memorable part of your studies or participation within your major?
I had so many favorite classes at UNI it is hard to pick! I would say my constitutional law class gave me a solid base to understand the question of constitutionality and how that impacts local level policy. In my current role, I do a good amount of advocacy and education as it relates to serving the undocumented community with financial services. Understanding the federal government’s role in immigration for example, helps me educate our community in how we can serve those who are unbanked or underserved. I would also say all the courses I took on public administration were essential to understanding grassroots organizing and lobbying which are both important aspects to my professional role today.

Outside of the courses, I did have a study abroad experience in Krakow, Poland that was life changing. This was a May-term course focused on the holocaust and Polish nationalism. During this experience we traveled across Poland visiting holocaust and WWII memorial sites with survivors. It absolutely changed my life and impacted my world view.

What advice would you give to students currently interested in the same major and/or going into your career field?
Build a relationship with your professors, ask questions and get involved in department events and activities. The instructors at UNI have relationships that could be helpful to making potential career connections. Also make sure to take advantage of internships. In the world of politics and policy, experience and relationships matter. Make sure not to shortchange yourself and get those internships with campaigns or advocacy groups during your college experience.

Is there anything else you would like to add or share?
Being active in Greek Life at UNI was an invaluable experience. While the social aspect was amazing and I made friends for life, Greek life was also a transformative leadership experience. During my sorority experience, I had to navigate challenges that helped me excel in the professional world. Everything from managing sorority financials to working with UNI administration, to navigating a house flood. I left college with experience navigating crises, managing significant financials, a strong commitment to service and hands-on leadership training. When I was interviewing for jobs during my senior year, I had real life examples of leadership in action.