Woman smiling directly at camera with straight light colored hair, and a sweater vest plus black shirt underneath
Mallory Tope
Policy Associate

I grew up next to the sprawling Mississippi River in Davenport, Iowa. Spending most of my time outside participating in river cleanup projects, Girl Scouts, and conservation advocacy, I developed an appreciation for our environment and all it does for us.  

I graduated from Iowa State University in 2022 with degrees in political science, journalism, and mass communications. During my undergrad, I worked as a legislative clerk at the Iowa House of Representatives and interned at the U.S. Senate.

Working on Capitol Hill taught me the importance of advocacy and amplifying rural and small communities’ voices. I was excited when I found the Center for Rural Affairs and learned how the organization stands up for rural communities.

I’m proud to work and learn from resilient rural communities while helping to cultivate meaningful changes to ensure a brighter and sustainable future for their communities.

In my free time I enjoy reading, volunteering, running, and watching football—Go Kansas City Chiefs!

Learn more about Mallory on our blog.