My work is wide-ranging and diverse, which I love! I collaborate with communities on environmental challenges they may be experiencing and I also work with them on strengthening their local food systems. Some days, that might involve increasing access to local food through retail outlets like farmers markets or food hubs. Other times it might mean improving the food chain by helping farmers “scale up” their production. We also assist rural grocery stores with providing one-on-one counseling to ensure they continue to be part of the community and continue to contribute healthy, nutritious foods.
I have met so many different and amazing people through this work who are doing great things in their communities to keep them vibrant and thriving. They inspire me in my work every day.
My education includes a bachelor’s degree in agricultural communications with minors in agricultural economics and art history from Oklahoma State University; graduate work (not a degree) in rural sociology from Auburn University, graduate work in negotiation and dispute resolution from Creighton University, and graduate work in natural resource management from Chadron State College.
For most of my professional career I have worked in higher education, first in the College of Agriculture at Auburn University and later in alumni relations and fundraising at Creighton University and Peru State College in Nebraska. I later worked in community development, assisting with recovery from the 2019 floods, where I learned about the importance of collaboration among local, state, and federal agencies.
I grew up in a college town in Oklahoma with strong family ties to southeast Nebraska. We visited every holiday and would work on the farm, helping bottle feed calves, assisting with harvest, and having picnics by the pond. Now that I live in southeast Nebraska and help oversee the farm, I have an even greater appreciation for rural America. It is the backbone of the U.S.; whether it’s through history, economic contributions, continued resilience in the face of changing times, or the human connection to nature it provides, rural America is a vital connection to our past, our present, and our future.
Q&A
What's something surprising about you that most people don't know?
Most people don’t know that I love to sing! I’m not great, but it doesn’t stop me from humming or singing pretty much anywhere I am. I recently joined the Nemaha County Community Choir, so my singing is legitimate rather than an oddity in the dairy section of the grocery store.
What is your favorite way to relax or unwind?
I enjoy knitting, and, especially during the winter, I'll work on projects for family members. I don’t make anything very complicated, but the routine soothes me and keeps my fingers busy.
What is your dream vacation spot?
I would love to go to Alaska! So many family members have been and told me about their amazing experiences. It’s on my list and someday I hope to visit.
