I recently joined ACTE as advocacy and public affairs manager. In this role, I work with the public policy team to advocate for CTE through the media and before policymakers at the federal level. I am also a resource for parents, teachers, students and other stakeholders interested in engaging their local and state decision-makers on CTE issues. In my first blog post with ACTE, I wanted to introduce myself and outline why I am passionate about CTE.
I was raised in Virginia in a household at the intersection of education and government – my mother is an educator and my father spent his career on Capitol Hill. My first real engagement in government was in high school, when I spent my junior year as a U.S. Senate Page, going to school as early as 6 a.m. while working in the Senate during the day. It’s there I came to appreciate the value of learning that takes place outside of the traditional four walls of a classroom, and how intertwining real-world experience with education can burgeon an interest and catalyze a career.
I graduated from the University of Virginia with degrees in economics and government, where my schooling again deviated from the traditional four-year path. I spent the latter half of my undergraduate career taking part-time and online classes while working in the Virginia legislature and on federal, state and local political campaigns. My work during those years has paid dividends since, providing career opportunities only possible because of the real-world experiences I had while still in school.
I deeply believe that every person has something to contribute to the 21st century economy, but that a one-size-fits-all education policy won’t allow every student to realize his or her full potential. Instead, we must provide students with a range of secondary and postsecondary education paths, including robust CTE options. Such programs provide immense benefits not just to students, but they also help fuel the talent pipeline so critical to meeting today’s diverse workforce demands.
Most recently I worked in public policy at an association representing software developers, where my portfolio included STEM, ed-tech and workforce development issues. Outside of my professional career, I am an appointed member of the Arlington Community Services Board, active in the Big Sibling mentorship program, and enjoy hiking, tennis and basketball.
I look forward to promoting CTE on behalf of our members, and am available as a resource for anyone looking to get involved in advocacy and grassroots engagement. I can be reached via email at [email protected].
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