10 Within 10 Recognition

Major: Cultural and global studies

Job: Senior program associate, the Center for Native American Youth at the Aspen Institute.

Current city: Washington, D.C.

Hometown: Harrison

What is your favorite memory of CMU? The fall of 2017 was a special time for me. I co-coordinated the Alternative Breaks program out of the Volunteer Center with a close friend, and we truly invested so much energy into the program together. At the same time, I was representing AB as a homecoming ambassador. I was able to attend the events, spend evenings in the UC for AB board, and end the week standing on the football field in a maroon gown in the pouring rain. It's cheesy, but it was the best.

What has been your coolest moment since graduation? I geek out over completing my master's degree at American University studying international peace and conflict resolution. I never saw myself holding an advanced degree — I didn't think I'd get in or even finish. To complete my degree while starting my career full time, despite others telling me I couldn't do it, is something I'm proud of. I traveled across the country for work, oversaw national programming, all while heading out to class at night and graduating in high standing. It's exciting to realize I was chasing all my dreams at the same time after leaving CMU.  

What are you proudest of? I've struggled with imposter syndrome since starting at CMU, and as I've progressed professionally it has gotten worse. The thing I'm most proud of is building and maintaining relationships with women I admire and respect. These women not only inspire me but challenge me to take ownership of my abilities and quiet that insecurity. My office is primarily led by women who hold me accountable and support me. I've been grateful to meet some of my personal heroes, such as former Secretary of the Interior Sally Jewell, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Rep. Ayanna Pressley, and Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland (Laguna Pueblo).

What advice would you give to new graduates? Always have mentors across generations! Keep those younger than you close and learn from them while you maintain relationships with those who are older than you. Post-grad life can be jarring, and those mentors will be valuable to you. These relationships can help you see that paths and passions can change, your wants and needs will change. Don't ever feel locked into one specific role or feel you have to stay in your field because the more experiences you collect in life the better mentor you'll be. Pay it forward and be the mentor you've needed, wanted, or had.

What about CMU helped you succeed? Many in my life don't know I nearly dropped out of CMU my freshman year — I struggled. What enabled me to thrive and propelled me forward to a master's and a job I love was the phenomenal staff and involvement at CMU. I had many mentors, from Lynn Curry and Kim Whitney at McNair to Jenny Drevon and Erica Johnson at the Volunteer Center, and academic mentors such as Frimpomaa Ampaw and Matt Johnson. They always met me halfway and built my courage, confidence and got me involved. I'm forever grateful for that and wouldn't be where I am without CMU.