The role of the Nebraska state policy manager involves working frequently in Lincoln with legislators and partners to advocate for Center-related policy issues that affect rural communities. The Center team is spectacular, and it is so exciting to work alongside like-minded individuals who are just as enthusiastic as I am to advocate for a thriving rural America.

I am a lifelong resident of Hastings, Nebraska, and small-town pride runs deep. I am grateful to be part of a team that so closely aligns with my personal values, to work together to create better opportunities for everyone living in rural places. There is nothing better than the support of neighbors in a small town.

Before coming to the Center, I managed website design, stakeholder and community engagement, board support, database management, and many other duties as community engagement coordinator with the United Way of South Central Nebraska. I also assisted with event planning, public relations, and external media coordination.

Prior to that, I was at the Hastings Public Library for five years. I coordinated public relations efforts, management of Bookmobile and library materials clerks, staff scheduling, and stakeholder relations. In both of these roles, I also assisted with grant writing and coordination.

I graduated Magna Cum Laude from Hastings College with my bachelor's degree in political science, and I am in the process of obtaining my Master of Public Administration from the University of Nebraska at Omaha.

My family has lived in rural Nebraska for five generations. There is truly nothing like growing up in a community that supports one another, comes together during difficult times, and grows together, despite differences. My husband and I are proud to raise our family in small-town Nebraska, and we work hard to give back to a community that has given us so much.

We love to travel with our two children, and we hope to show them as many places as possible. My husband is Mexican, so diversity, culture, language, and, most importantly, food, are integral parts of our family.

Outside of work, I am a long-distance runner who also enjoys Pilates, yoga, and reading fiction of all genres. My family has three dogs, and I love animals and being outdoors, and I am a certified swim instructor.

Q&A

What's something surprising about you that most people don't know?

My grandfather owned a newspaper.

If you could meet any celebrity or public figure, dead or alive, who would you choose?

I would love to meet Cleopatra! I feel that she is shrouded in so much mystery, and I would love to ask her about her life. Egyptian history has always fascinated me, especially the women who were so influential to society.

What is your dream vacation spot?

I dream of the Maldives. The prairie definitely has my heart, but I also love the ocean. I would love to relax on one of the floating resorts and have dinner in an underwater restaurant surrounded by ocean life.