I was born and raised here in Michigan, first in Shelby Township, and then in the “thumb,“ in the small town of Yale. My parents were healthcare workers. I have always been proud to be their daughter and deeply admire their strong work ethic. My grandfather, a union pipefitter and active member of
Local 636, is the reason I first became a Democrat.

After graduating from Yale public schools, I enrolled in James Madison College at Michigan State University. It was the only school I applied to; I knew from a very young age that I was always meant to be a Spartan. 

Three and a half years later, I completed a BA in International Relations, with a specialization in Muslim studies. My time at Michigan State was everything I could have hoped for: I studied abroad in Egypt and was part of a student group called Madison Academic Diversity Initiative, which paired upperclassmen with incoming students to help them acclimate to student life. It was an amazing experience to be part of. I graduated with student loan debt and was still paying my loans when I was elected the first time in 2018.

While finishing my undergraduate degree, I began to gain formal experience in professional fundraising, first in state government and then with Congressman Sander Levin. It was during my time at Sandy‘s office that I pursued my MS in Law Enforcement Intelligence and Analysis with Certificates in Homeland Security and Critical Thinking, again from MSU.
 

For my day job, I work in government and external relations for a museum. I’ve spent my career in professional fundraising for various state and federal political campaigns before moving on to work in corporate relations for nonprofits and state and federal government agencies. I also serve on the Board of Volunteers of America Michigan. On the rare occasion I have free time, I spend it with my husband, Adam and our two cats, Toesday and Wednesday.