Living in India as a young adult, I experienced the harsh realities of poverty while working with women living in destitute conditions. I learned then that, although unseen by greater society, these women had much to offer. This experience created a desire to be involved in work aimed at building up the structures of our communities in such a way that the most vulnerable are seen and provided the ability to succeed. Upon returning to the US, I was granted the opportunity to serve the homeless community of Louisville, KY. St. Vincent de Paul serves over 300 clients per night and has a program budget of over $2 million. Throughout my 4 years of service with St. Vincent de Paul I held numerous positions from Case Manager to the Associate Director of Programs. As a case manager I served 35 clients experiencing homelessness, helping them find and maintain housing, providing life skills, financial and employment assistance. As the Programs' Coordinator I worked to develop and later implement program policy and procedures to achieve COA accreditation. As Associate Director of Programs, I supervised 7 individuals, and was responsible for ensuring our Permanent Supportive Housing Programs, which served +200 clients, and our 50 bed Women's Recovery Center ran smoothly. My desire to build better communities has not changed. Currently, my skills in policy development are being put to the test at DEO's Office of Disaster Recovery in Tallahassee Florida. The Office oversees and distributes the over $2 Billion in CDBG-DR funds awarded due to various storms, ensuring that low income communities are rebuilt and fortified. As Policy and Constituent Services Manager, I am responsible for ensuring that internal policy and procedures align with HUD, federal, and state regulations. I work closely with other departments within ODR to create and implement policies and procedures. My team and I work closely to develop and complete our State's Action Plan and I am responsible for providing leadership and guidance in maintaining and amending as needed. I also work in collaboration with state agencies, other states, HUD, and other private and public partners to develop policy that promotes CDBG-DR development across Florida. I have had the privilege of serving the local and international communities around me for over ten years. I have developed skills that I believe allow me to assist communities, including public administration, supervision, community development, policy development and management, social service skills, and leadership.