What was your internship in MIW?

Child Trend's

What attracted you to MIW?

What attracted me to MIW was the opportunity to explore career options in a city where I wanted to live while getting my degree.

Tell us a little bit about what you're doing now. What was your first job after graduation? Where do you live? 

My first job was as an intern at the Leadership Conference on Civil Rights, and I also had a part-time job at Kaplan. I've built a career as an association professional during my time in DC. Currently, I am the Director of Event Education at the Endocrine Society. I work with our member leaders to create programming for our signature events and annual meetings. I've been in the field for 15 years and love it! I live in Greenbelt, MD, just outside of DC.

What has been your greatest professional and/or personal accomplishment since MIW?

My greatest professional accomplishment is changing jobs after 13 years for the opportunity to move up in the ranks. My greatest personal achievement is currently owning 1.5 homes. It's a long story. Here is a news story about it: https://www.wusa9.com/article/news/investigations/home-construction-nightmare-dan-ryan-builders-drb-parkside-at-westphalia-upper-marlboro-prince-georges-county/65-b38dc4c8-a020-441f-ba5e-d66042b977cf.

Was there a class and/or experience in MIW that led you to pursue your current career?

Being the experimental first class was a growing experience that was beneficial in how it taught endurance. Our class essentially gave life a test drive before entering the real world. Our class with Sally Katzen was an eye-opening look into the world of government regulations. Her course gave real-life application to the concepts that we were learning at Michigan. We had real conversations that were so grounded and offered an enlightening look into how Washington really works. Lessons learned from Katzen's course in 2005 about how government actually works add levity to what we hear from talking heads today.

What three words would you use to describe your experience in MIW?

challenging, endearing, crash-course

How has MIW benefitted you in your post-Michigan life?

Knowing the DMV before moving to the area after graduation was highly beneficial. I fell in love with DC during my internship. I can't imagine living anywhere else (inside the US). Getting a preview of what it would take to live in DC and pursue the career that I wanted to pursue was highly advantageous. I also had the opportunity to reach out and support the program. I want to give back, but I need to find the time. MIW presents the perfect opportunity to support fellow Wolverines. 

What advice do you have for our current and future MIW students?

Make a plan, and then be prepared for it to get blown to pieces. This isn't necessarily a bad thing. Our dreams for our lives are typically limited by our imaginations, but life's possibilities are endless. Be open to the ride!

If applicable, please list any websites you would like us to include to help publicize you and/or your work.

I serve on the board of YPT Global Edge, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization based in Detroit, where our mission is to expose African-American youth to international opportunities in travel, leadership, entrepreneurship, education, culture, and sports. https://yptglobaledge.org/