East Lansing's Best Days are yet to come

I’ve called East Lansing home since I moved here in 1995 to attend Michigan State University and graduated with my degree from James Madison College. I’ve lived in East Lansing longer than anywhere I’ve ever been, and this community along the banks of the Red Cedar River is where my husband and I have chosen to raise our family with no intention of ever leaving.

 

I’m running to serve on the East Lansing City Council as the mom of an incredible first grader at Robert L. Green Elementary School, a wife to a public servant, the daughter of public school teachers, and someone who has worked throughout her professional career to make a positive impact on our state and community. 

 

As the Chief Talent Solutions & Engagement Office for the Michigan Economic Development Corp. (MEDC), I lead the agency’s strategic focus of developing high-wage skills growth by working with businesses, higher education institutions, and communities to better attract, retain and cultivate the talent critical to growing the state’s economy.

 

Prior to serving at MEDC, I launched the Office of Sixty by 30 in the Michigan Department of Labor and Economic Opportunity (LEO),  to meet Governor Whitmer’s goal for college and credential attainment. During my time as director, I launched two instrumental programs: Futures for Frontliners and MI Reconnect, which aim to create a more talented workforce by providing a tuition-free path for Michiganders pursuing in-demand certificates or associate degrees.

 

In this capacity, I also served as the Chair of the MI STEM Council, designed to improve and promote innovation and collaboration in STEM education and prepare students for careers in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. I also served as the lead staff supporting the state’s Workforce Development Board, helping to create a comprehensive, accessible, and successful workforce development system. In conjunction with my time at LEO, Gov. Gretchen Whitmer tapped me in 2021 to lead the Protect Michigan Commission’s community engagement strategy, which aimed to educate residents on the safety and effectiveness of COVID-19 vaccines.

Before I returned to the state government to lead the nationally award-winning “Be Counted 2020 Census” campaign on behalf of the Whitmer/Gilchrist administration, I operated an independent consulting firm that served a variety of clients across business, nonprofit and philanthropic sectors. I have experience creating and developing strategies for a variety of national, state, and local government policy programs and advocacy campaigns.

 

My unique background and experience have prepared me to build bridges and work collaboratively with MSU, the East Lansing schools, and the city. I am committed to driving regional collaboration, spurring smart economic development growth, retaining talent, and strengthening our arts, culture, and public spaces. I am ready on day one to work with the city staff to make East Lansing an even better place to call home, go to school, raise families, and grow opportunities.