As Community Development Director, I am responsible for planning and zoning in the City of Big Rapids. I also work with a staff of four to administer the City's rental housing, code enforcement, economic development, and grant writing programs, and I liaise with the Big Rapids Community Library. Further, I act as the City's public relations officer.

I earned a Master of Arts in Peace and Conflict Studies degree, focusing on International Peace Studies, at the United Nations-mandated University for Peace in Costa Rica. My interests were in broadening and deepening my global awareness and to understand the role of urban planning in peacebuilding for the purposes of sustainable redevelopment and urban conflict mitigation.

Planning Excellence: Staff planner on a variety of land use plans and planning projects for cities, villages, towns, tribal communities, and counties in north central Wisconsin. Experience with comprehensive plans, hazard mitigation plans, economic development assistance, and redevelopment plans. Tasks include research, writing, community meetings, and final document preparation.Document Design: Utilize Adobe Creative Suite software to design and lay out attractive documents, informational brochures, and newsletters for the Commission and plans created for clients.

Planning Excellence: Key intern on Menomonee Valley 2.0 plan update and Brown Deer Road Corridor Action Plan projects. Assist with daily projects, scheduling, public meetings, and plan writing. Coordinate and facilitate meetings with key stakeholder groups including public-private partnerships, business improvement districts, community groups, and regional planning organizations.Digital Engagement: Lead the City’s online community outreach strategy for Menomonee Valley 2.0 through the use of an interactive website and social media tools. Built and continually edit plan website planthevalley.org.Research and Reporting: Conduct research and prepare presentations for City plans and community organizations on demographics, national precedents, and planning best practices. Results were used in the Milwaukee Economic Development Plan, grant proposals, outreach decisions, and other Milwaukee area land use plans.

Organizational Development: Trained local staff in executive management, program management, strategic planning, and fundraising for community organizations.Project Management: Established an income-generating sewing project from inception through grant writing to project implementation. Trained 10 workers in project management and business skills.Cultural Exchange: Participated in community life and cross-cultural learning opportunities as an active member of Ramatjowe Village. Led formal and informal English language classes with students and co-workers.

Program Management: Planned and executed weekly and daily programs for groups of 10, 30, and 145 students. Organized materials and logistics for events. Recordkeeping, monitoring and evaluation of youth programs.Volunteer Supervision: Coordinated groups, conducted orientations, and supervised volunteers assisting with youth programs.