For the City Times

Occupation:
Community Initiatives Associate at United Way of Portage County

What is the most rewarding professional experience you have had?
I run United Way’s Learn for Life, a 2nd and 3rd grade reading program. Recruiting volunteer tutors who are passionate about helping students in our area with their reading proficiency is so fulfilling both professionally and personally. The opportunity to work with teachers, administration, business leaders and so many more, has made an impact on me. Knowing I am a part of something that is helping more than 200 students just this school year is so very rewarding.

Why did you get involved with Ignite?
Being new to Portage County (I’m originally from Minnesota, and no, I am not a Vikings fan. Go Pack Go!), I wanted to get to know more people in the area and experience all of the things that our community has to offer. Ignite has allowed me to do both while having an added bonus of professional networking as well!

What advice would you give to other young professionals looking to make their mark? Consider all aspects of your career and personal experiences as a life lesson. Grow from each of your experiences, whether they were positive or negative.

What is a little-known fact about yourself?
My husband and I hail from Austin, Minnesota, aka SPAM Town, USA. It has that nickname because Hormel is based there. One of the locations we had for our wedding pictures was inside the SPAM Museum.