As the staff lead at Toledo's only nonprofit urban planning and design organization, my role is to direct and lead the Toledo Design Collective to the next level in serving the Toledo community. This includes oversight of: neighborhood planning, urban design, architectural conceptual design, streetscaping, placemaking/ wayfinding, research, community engagement, public presentations, mentoring, and advocacy.

I founded Midcoast out of a simple passion for working with local businesses and nonprofits who are committed to making their communities better places to live. From organizational and community planning to public engagement and storytelling to implementation, Midcoast works to integrate across sectors and connect and build relationships that are essential to long-term, sustainable solutions. Through a lens of arts, culture, and urban design, its unique focus is on residents and individuals who make our communities thrive.

My work focused on aligning organizational messaging across departments to better connect impact, data, development, and mission-driven storytelling. I worked at state and local levels to increase awareness of and advocacy of health and human services issues affecting neighborhoods and communities, with an emphasis on housing, health, financial stability, and education. I was most proud to build a relationship with the City of Toledo to secure $300,000 in funding over three years to support Toledo's 211 programs, a 24/7 helpline connecting residents to resources and essential needs during times of uncertainty, hardship, and natural disasters.

The Arts Commission is Ohio's longest-standing arts commission. I served in staff leadership to manage community programs, creative placemaking initiatives, and work at the intersection of community engagement, urban planning, and neighborhood-led revitalization to connect people through the arts to build positive momentum for the future. Developed the Toledo Culture Trail framework to inform equitable community development advocacy and future investments. Lead arts-based resident engagement to address social determinants of health, restorative justice, environmental, and community development advocacy.

Developed Toledo’s primary Creative Placemaking program. Led efforts to increase diversity, equity, and inclusion in community-based programs, events, and services. Planning and executing community engagement strategies, programming, streamlining and managing internal and external marketing and communications and associated staff.

Engaged non-visual artists to increase programming and inclusion. Supported visioning for Lucas County Poet Laureate position, later co-created annual Ode to the Zip Code poetry contest in partnership with Toledo Fair Housing Center, Toledo Lucas County Public Library, and Toledo City Paper to elevate inequities across neighborhoods through community creative writing competition and event. Co-created City of Toledo Poetry Sidewalks program.

Supported community programs and developed organizational e-newsletter, artist opportunities communications, and organizational social media presence.

Volunteer position leading biennial community arts programming to foster creative networks.

Led interviews with local and touring musicians, generated columns and previews for site content. Consulted on user experience and layout.

Writing, content development, editing, and consulting.

Wrote, edited, and managed Arts & Entertainment content for Toledo City Paper (weekly) and Ann Arbor Current (monthly) magazines. Led community events. Voted Best City Paper Writer by readers.

Worked with students one-on-one to inspire a greater joy of writing as well as managed front desk reception and scheduling.

Worked under the direction of Warren Robbins, Founder Emeritus of Smithsonian Museum of African Art. Studied Nonprofit Administration at The Washington Center.