Trained as a social scientist, I take a critically analytical approach to my professional and volunteer work. Professionally, I began my career as a housing educator at a small nonprofit in Lafayette, IN, and later worked as a full-time organizer for AFSCME, the nation's second largest labor union for public sector employees. This work instilled a passion for equity, justice, and action-oriented work. After transitioning from AFSCME into a university role, I applied my experience as a professional activist by conducting community-engaged research. I have presented this research at international conferences and shared the data collected with the community organizations that were the focus of study. Now having moved on from the university to become an urban planner, I've maintained my role on the research team as a community partner. 

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Outside of work hours, I pursue activism as a community organizer with a focus on issues related to labor, housing, and sexual healthcare. Working alongside both new and experienced organizers, I have helped found multiple grassroots organizations including HIV Pathways, Inc., the Ann Arbor Tenants' Union, and the Greater Lafayette Tenants' Union.