Education
BA Political Communications, 2012

Why did you choose to attend UNI?
Several family members had attended UNI, including my older sister. I really enjoyed the atmosphere and the size of the college. 

Why did you choose your major?
It was actually a process, I started as general communication, then Public Relations, then Political Science, then back to PR, then I believe political communications became a new major. I was very excited to combine my passion for politics and some of my natural talent in communications. I *think* back in 2010 there were only 3 colleges/universities that had political communication as a major/BA.

What were some of your favorite classes?
I really enjoyed a lot of my classes. I loved being in Professor Hoffmans’ legistivative politics class and Professor Holmes’ had a couple classes in the political world that I learned a lot and had fun. Probably my most interesting class was my capstone that was in southern India where we worked with local communities in environmental technology! 

What do you do in your current position? What do you enjoy about it?
I have owned my event planning business, Party On, Des Moines! (Party On) since 2015. Even though the last year and a half has been really hard on the hospitality industry, my business has grown a lot. Pre- covid I had 1 part time worker and now I have 4! We have several event venues that we manage + several annual large scale events (like Pride Fest here in Des Moines). I love my work, everyday is different and I have the opportunity to work with so many different types of people for a variety of events. 

How did your major help prepare you for your current role? What skills are you still using today?
I still work on political campaigns here and there. I think the biggest take away from my major is that I stay informed and connected. Networking is a huge part of my life/job and to always have my “finger on the pulse” of political and pop culture has been key. Also not to judge any person too quickly, you never know how you may stay connected with them throughout your career. 

What is a memorable part of your studies or participation within your major? 
I was the President of the Northern Iowa Democrats for 2 years, which was an amazing group to be apart of. I have met so many Presidential (and gubernatorial, senate, house, etc…) candidates during and since my time at UNI, not a lot of people have had the experiences that I’ve been privileged to have. Really- the community that I had in college, I am still very close with several friends with political science/ political communication/communication degrees. 

What advice would you give to students currently interested in the same major and/or going into your career field?
GET INVOLVED OUTSIDE OF THE CLASSROOM! Political campaigns are a lot of hard work, but totally worth it. Student clubs were so much fun and always had a great group of people. 

Is there anything else you would like to add or share? 
In 2020 I was awarded one of the 40 women to watch in the hospitality industry in Iowa! 

I am stepping aside from politics this fall to go work at a music festival, Treefort in Boise, ID, which is very exciting. However I will be voting on Nov 2, 2021 for Des Moines city council.