In both Y5 – 12 public school and higher education settings I have capitalized on my interpersonal and communication skills to increase student engagement, to strengthen team collaboration, and to amplify the voices of marginalized stakeholders.I had sixteen fantastic years of teaching music, technology, and entrepreneurship to students in elementary school, middle school, and high school. I worked diligently to create a classroom environment where students felt safe and welcomed to participate while offering engaging lessons with multiple modes of instruction each day. Beyond the classroom, I worked with district and county leadership to improve the curricula and expand the training and development opportunities we provide to our educators.In August 2022 accepted my first position at the University of Michigan. As an Admission Coordinator I worked with my colleagues to holistically evaluate each applicant’s candidacy to render admissions decisions to yield a cohort of students that represents diverse perspectives and experiences while being unified by each student's desire to engage with their colleagues in meaningful ways.In summer 2024 I accepted the position of Assistant Director of Academic Initiatives for Residence Education. I support the Theme Communities, Lawyers Club, and the Transdisciplinary Fellows programs on campus. Through my work I collaborate with faculty, student leaders, and campus partners to develop living-learning experiences for our students.In November 2022 I was appointed to the Monroe Public Schools Board of Education. I am now able to use my advocacy skills in new ways - through approving curricula and district resources to effectuate educational equity where all students receive a quality education. Through my position on the board I have become very active in the Michigan Association of School Boards (MASB) and have taken every opportunity to learn skills and concepts to be an informed representative of my school community. In conjunction with my board role in Monroe, I also serve on the state-level MASB Resolutions and Bylaws committee. Through this committee, we work to create organizational resolutions that reinforce efforts for equity in educational opportunities for students across the state of Michigan.