I grew up in St. Louis, Missouri, and have lived in both rural and urban communities all across the country. I graduated from Hampshire College in 2022 with a BA in Economics and Natural Philosophy. My studies led me to my first job in Minnesota as a canoe guide. I then worked as an AmeriCorps member with the Minneapolis Health Department and served on the Minneapolis Green Zone Council where I advocated for economic growth and public health. Over the last 3 years, I served as Finance & Development Director of the East Phillips Neighborhood Institute, an economic development nonprofit focused on community ownership. In my role, I helped raise over $12 million to support the community.