Bixby, Oklahoma, United States
I am a passionate, flexible, and driven public professional currently studying for a Master of Global Affairs at Tsinghua University as a Schwarzman Scholar. This study is a reflection of my lifelong focus on political engagement and public service. In education, this focus has manifested through prior qualifications in Public Administration, International Public Policy and Diplomacy, and Political Science. In my professional career, this focus has manifested in numerous positions including as a Corps Member in AmeriCorps NCCC, a Civic Engagement & Voter Protection Intern with the DNC, an Environmental Protection Outreach Coordinator with Native Americans in Philanthropy, an Intern with the U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, and more. Through it all, a focus on political engagement and public service has remained consistent. I am passionate about a career in the public sector and firmly believe that we can build a better world together.
U.S. Senate Committee on Indian Affairs, Office of Chairman Lisa Murkowski (R-AK) • Tracked legislative developments pertaining to Indian Affairs, with an emphasis on rural / agricultural policy. • Composed research and information memos for the use of Committee Staff. • Engaged with Tribes, Inter-Tribal Orgs, and Native Nonprofits on issues presented to the Committee. • Assisted the Committee's broader charge to study the unique problems of American Indian, Native Hawaiian, Alaska Native peoples and to propose legislation to alleviate these difficulties on issues including, but not limited to, Indian education, economic development, land management, trust responsibilities, health care, and claims against the United States.
• Led NAP's outreach efforts to the 271 Tribal Nations of EPA Region 10 regarding the EPA Environmental Justice Thriving Communities Grantmaking Program. • Advised grant applicants on proper compliance with government grant management and reporting. • Constructed equity focused grant structures in collaboration with five other nonprofits.
• Researched a variety of voting rights and election administration issues at the state and federal level with a particular emphasis on Native voting rights. • Created state by state informational materials to encourage civic engagement among Native voters. • Monitored legal developments and voting rights challenges across dozens of states.
• Researched, analyzed, and monitored state and federal public policy to assess impacts to the Choctaw Nation. • Researched aspects of Choctaw law and policy to advance the sovereignty of the Nation. • Assessed and promoted avenues of civic engagement for Choctaw citizens.
• Researched the intersection of federal/state education policy and K-12 curriculums on Native histories, cultures, and peoples. This research expressed the Association on American Indian Affairs fundamental mission to protect sovereignty, preserve culture, and educate youth.