I'm a dot-connector. Bringing together organizations and people for their (or "our") mutual benefit brings me joy! Whether it's family, friends, neighbors, or strangers, I like to help.Today, I am thrilled to lead the Bakersfield College Foundation. I never imagined working in higher education (or philanthropy, for that matter!) but this is where my professional experience has led me and it makes me happy! Helping students achieve their dream of a college education, and helping supporters connect with the college in a meaningful way, is the perfect type of dot-connecting for me!As a convener and a communicator, I enjoy creating projects that otherwise might not have been implemented--and I really appreciate spending time with people that have skills and careers different from mine. In my previous role leading KEDF, I conducted local research and identified the need to increase the STEM (science, tech, engineering, math) talent pool in order to provide an ample workforce for current and future employers. This was THE moment that I came to realize exactly how important Bakersfield College is to our economy.I grew up in Kern County, and I consider myself lucky to have a career where I can make a positive difference in my community. Actively serving on a two-year-long coalition effort that resulted in the re-branding of our community (Bakersfield and Kern County), was one of my most fulfilling projects, and one that I will always treasure.