My role involves improving food security and expanding local food systems by partnering with farmers, schools, and communities. I work collaboratively with Center staff to support farmers and strengthen rural communities, and to help advance initiatives like local sourcing and farm to school programs to connect producers with institutional markets to help build resilient food networks.
The Center drew me in because it makes sure everyone has a seat at the table and that all voices are heard. The people I get to work with, within and outside of our organization, are wonderful and share my passion for this work.
I hold a bachelor’s degree in business administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, with minors in communications and community and regional planning. Working with agriculture- and health care-focused nonprofits has helped me gain valuable experience, as well as apply my skills to support community development and strengthen local food systems.
Rural America matters deeply to me because it reflects values I hold dear: community, working together, and stewardship of the environment. Growing up on a fourth-generation family farm in south-central Nebraska, I was immersed early in the rhythms, rewards, and challenges of rural life. Agriculture and rural communities aren’t just part of my story—they are my roots. From a young age, I saw neighbors rallying around one another—in the good times and the tough times. That sense of interdependence shaped my belief in the strength of small towns and fostered a commitment to ensuring they thrive.
My family lives in Kearney, where we enjoy the strong sense of community. In my free time, you’ll often find me exploring the outdoors with my husband and son, experimenting with new recipes in the kitchen, tending to our garden, or enjoying local farmers markets and community events.
Q&A
Are you a morning person or a night owl, and what is your favorite thing about that time of day?
I’m definitely a night owl—I appreciate the calm and quiet that nighttime brings. It’s when I do my best thinking and can fully focus without distractions.
Who is someone you look up to?
I look up to my grandparents. Reflecting on their lives—especially their experiences growing up in Nebraska in the early 1900s—I’m filled with deep respect and gratitude. They faced significant challenges with resilience, determination, and an unwavering commitment to building a better life for their children and grandchildren. Although they have all passed, the values they instilled in our family—hard work, humility, perseverance, and compassion—continue to guide me. Their legacy lives on in the way we live, work, and care for our communities, and I carry their influence with me in everything I do.
What's one piece of advice you wish you could give to your younger self?
Time moves faster than you realize. Embrace the present, take chances, and don’t stress about having everything figured out. Some of life’s best opportunities come from the unexpected, so trust yourself and enjoy the journey.
