I grew up in Southern Oregon, spending most of my time rehabilitating wildlife with my grandparents at Wildlife Images. It was an incredible experience that taught me the importance of protecting and defending our environment—because its survival means our survival. Growing up in Southern Oregon also showed me the very real danger of wildfire in our state.

 

During the recession in 2009, my family lost our home to foreclosure. We were forced to leave Oregon, and my parents found work in North Dakota. Moving to such a different place was an eye-opening experience. My family worked as hard as we could to move back to Oregon as soon as possible. We returned to the Albany/Corvallis area, where I graduated from South Albany High School and later from Oregon State University.

 

I was fortunate to secure an internship with U.S. Senator Ron Wyden, which ultimately led to a job offer and a move to Washington, D.C. There, I learned the ins and outs of Capitol Hill. I managed Senator Wyden's education policy portfolio, among other priorities, and worked to advocate for congressional staff rights, including better pay. As the very first Workplace Advocacy Steward for the Congressional Progressive Staff Association (CPSA), I negotiated with Senators Schumer and McConnell. We were ultimately successful, securing enough funding for every Senate staffer to be paid at least $45,000 a year. CPSA is now the largest staff association in Washington, D.C., representing congressional staffers.

 

I came back to Oregon in 2023 and worked as a field representative for Senator Wyden. I partnered with city, county, state, Tribal, and federal agencies to advocate for Oregonians and handle anything with a federal connection in my counties. That work gave me a deep understanding of how politics and governing work in Oregon—experience I’m ready to bring to the Corvallis City Council.

 

Since moving back to Corvallis, I have managed Melissa Bird’s campaign in the 4th Congressional District. I’ve been an active member of the Benton County Democrats and serve on the Platform and Legislative Action Committee, where we work to advance priorities that benefit everyone in Benton County. I’m also a volunteer community reporter for KORC FM here in Corvallis, covering state and local politics, and I continue to volunteer with the Corvallis Drop-in Day Center’s Street Outreach Team, connecting with our unhoused neighbors.