College: Arts and Sciences
Double Major: Economics and International Relations
Minors: German and Cybersecurity
Hometown: Des Moines, Iowa
Q: Why did you choose to attend Drake?
A: When I was looking at colleges, I knew I wanted a school where I could build strong relationships with faculty and receive a more personalized educational experience. Drake’s smaller class sizes and close student-to-faculty ratio really stood out to me. I was also drawn to the generous scholarship opportunities and the chance to apply for grants, prizes, and local work experiences. Beyond academics, I loved the charm of the old brick buildings and the beautiful trees across campus. It felt like a place I could truly call home.
Q: What is your favorite campus memory?
A: One of my favorite campus memories was serving as a resident assistant in Jewett Residence Hall and helping oversee our annual paint fight event. I stood watch with a water gun, guarding the doors to make sure no paint-covered students snuck inside! The other resident assistants and I were really close. We spent the afternoon laughing together, enjoying the sunshine, and blasting music from a big speaker while we watched the chaos unfold. It was one of those joyful, community-filled days that perfectly captured what I love about Drake.
Q: How has Drake shaped who you are today?
A: Drake gave me the space and support to make mistakes, learn from them, and grow into the person I am now. When I first arrived, I struggled. My grades weren’t always where I wanted them to be, and I often felt overwhelmed, like I was navigating a new world. But I found community, mentorship, and incredible role models in both students and staff. From quiet late nights in the residence halls to laughter-filled evenings at West Village with friends, I found places that helped me reflect, grow, and connect.
Through friendships, guidance, mental health support, and the example of some of the most naturally brilliant people I’ve ever met, I gradually became someone who can follow through. I went from struggling to get out of bed for class to being someone who gets up early, hits the gym, eats breakfast, and shows up prepared, homework done and confidence in hand. I now know the value of showing up every day, and I carry with me a quiet confidence in the person I’ve become. That weight lifted off me is a gift I’ll always credit to my time at Drake.
Q: What is next for you after you graduate?
A: After graduation, I’ll be joining Global Financial Integrity, a think tank in Washington, D.C., as a policy analyst. I’ll also continue serving as chair of the City of Des Moines Human and Civil Rights Commission, where I’m finalizing a policy recommendation report based on a year of data analysis and research on economic development and access to safe, affordable housing for immigrant and refugee communities.
Alongside my work, I’ll be studying for the LSAT and beginning the law school application process. I plan to stay engaged with the American Bar Association through its online programming, particularly in antitrust and cybersecurity law. And on a more personal note, I’m finally going to try learning how to make sourdough bread. Wish me luck!
Q: Who have been some of your important mentors during your time at Drake?
A: I’ve been incredibly fortunate to have a strong circle of mentors at Drake who have shaped my academic and personal journeys.
Dr. Deb DeLaet, who I affectionately call “Mom,” has been an extraordinary role model. Her intelligence, integrity, and ability to set healthy boundaries while producing thoughtful, high-impact work have made a lasting impression on me. She’s supported me through research projects, travel, conference presentations, and job opportunities, connecting me with her child to help me explore career paths. She’s been a pillar in my life, offering insight on everything from professional conduct to staying grounded in my values as a woman in the field of policy analysis.
Dr. Heath Henderson has been my campus econometrician and a powerful example of integrating passion with the profession. His research, book, nonprofit work, and endless academic contributions all center on helping people in meaningful ways. His ability to pursue rigorous academic work without sacrificing empathy or humanity continues to inspire me. He’s not only been a great mentor but also a resource and, dare I say, a friend to many students.
Dr. David Skidmore had a major impact on me during my sophomore year when I needed to get serious. His courses challenged me in the best way, and I always appreciated the balance he struck between high expectations and sincere empathy. He also shared wonderful stories about his wife and daughters, adding warmth and joy to every class.
Dr. Kieran Williams taught me throughout all four years at Drake and was my academic advisor. He’s among the coolest, most grounded professors I’ve ever met. Despite his vast experience and expertise, he always made time for honest, approachable conversations. My friends and I still talk about how lucky we were to learn from him.
And finally, Dr. William Boal, the heart of the economics department, was there for me during some of my most uncertain moments. I came to him more than once on the verge of dropping the major, but he always helped me work through my doubts. His quiet, steady support encouraged me to keep going and because of him, I stuck with economics long enough to apply those skills in real-world policy work that has made a difference in people’s lives.
Q: Are you involved in any student organizations, groups, or community service work? Tell us about those experiences.
A: On campus, I served as a resident assistant for three years, was president of the Economics Club, and participated in Weightlifting Club. I also stayed active in community service, often volunteering at Central Iowa Shelter & Services with friends when we had free weekends. Through my role with the City of Des Moines Human and Civil Rights Commission, I volunteered at local churches, food banks, and places of worship, especially those serving immigrant and refugee communities. I helped organize interfaith events and supported efforts to set up financial technology tools to collect donations for underserved groups. These experiences were not only meaningful, but also deeply connected to the kind of work I hope to continue after graduation.
Q: How has Drake helped you prepare for your future career?
A: Through my classes, on-campus jobs, and the opportunities I accessed through Drake’s network, I’ve understood my strengths and the areas where I need structure to succeed. I’ve learned that I thrive when I pay special attention to detail, take time in the mornings to organize my thoughts, and rely on alarms, reminders, and external tools to stay on track. No matter how strong a habit feels, I can’t rely on memory alone.
These lessons may seem small, but they’ve greatly impacted how I approach professional life. I often wonder if I would have had the same chance to learn about myself and how to build sustainable habits if I had gone to a different school. What made all the difference at Drake was the patience and support of staff and faculty, who were genuinely invested in my growth and willing to meet me where I was as I figured things out.
Q: Based on your experience, what makes Drake special and sets it apart from other schools?
A: What stands out most to me about Drake is its quiet focus on greatness. There’s a shared sense of respect on campus, students genuinely care about one another, include each other, and speak up when something isn’t right. I’ve seen students create new boards, start organizations, and advocate for others simply because they believed in doing the right thing. It’s a community where leadership often happens quietly but powerfully, and that’s something truly special.