Graduation Year: 2019

Majors/Minors/Certificates: Major in Global Health Studies; Certificate in Fundraising and Philanthropy Communication

Current City & State: Washington, DC

Current Position & Organization: Special Assistant at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency

How did your FPC certificate help you get to where you are today? 

The classes I took in the FPC program allowed me to explore the digital communication skills necessary for nonprofit work and gave me insight into the foundations of nonprofit organizations. Gaining an understanding of how nonprofits operate allows you to think creatively about the goals and missions necessary to create change.

What career advice do you have for current NLP students? 

In classes, student organizations, and academic/career advising appointments, "think global, act local" is a quote I heard many times. When trying to figure out what career path I wanted to take, I decided to volunteer for various nonprofits in the Iowa City area to learn more about the causes I was interested in. I wanted to see where I fit into the movements I supported and how I can be most helpful. While volunteering, I learned more about the issues we face today, the obstacles that nonprofits run into, and was able to connect with others who also wanted to create change. Volunteering brought many opportunities and mentors into my life and I encourage anyone in the nonprofit or campaign sectors to get involved locally by volunteering!