Growing up in Truckee, I developed a deep appreciation for the outdoors from a young age. My childhood was filled with skiing, hiking, fishing, and exploring various sports. I have vivid memories of spending nearly every weekend discovering new locations with my friends. At the same time, I know there is still so much more to discover within the Sierra Nevada. I also want to ensure that the future generation of Truckee kids experience nature the same way I did. 

After high school, I attended Chapman University in Southern California to pursue college athletics and experience a new setting. However, I missed having access to the outdoors and eventually transferred to the University of Nevada, Reno. I was always fascinated by the relationship between the environment and humans, and how both greatly influence each other. This ultimately led me to pursue a B.S. in Kinesiology with a minor in Biology, followed by a Master of Public Health. I enjoy the multifaceted nature of public health and the different avenues I can pursue. 

After college, I made it a professional goal to return to Truckee and make a positive impact. I wanted to give back to the community that shaped me into the person I am today. I admire how the foundation of Sierra Business Council’s work is built on the triple bottom line: community, economy, environment (i.e., People, Planet, Profit). I believe my educational background and my role as a CivicSpark Fellow aligns well with SBC’s vision and my desire to give back to the community. I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with SBC, learn more about the Climate and Energy field, and continue my professional development.