Meet Jori Houck, ACTE's Newest Public Policy Team Member

My name is Jori Houck, and I recently joined ACTE’s Public Policy team. In my role as the Media Relations and Advocacy Associate, I will be supporting ACTE’s policy communications and media relations activities, as well as working closely with membership and state associations to inform and engage our members in grassroots advocacy. With my first blog post, I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself as the newest member of ACTE’s Public Policy team.

I was born and raised in rural south-central Pennsylvania. Growing up in a community with deep agricultural and industrial roots, I gained an appreciation for the hands-on skills and hard work performed every day by members of our community. I too benefitted from the support, encouragement and mentorship of CTE educators and courses as a high school student – I took courses in business, horticulture, family and consumer sciences and building trades, and participated in CTSOs. Each CTE educator that I spent time with taught me something about myself and my abilities. I learned that I could work with my hands, create and just “do.” I carried the confidence that CTE helped to nurture in me along my path.

I graduated from the University of Connecticut with my undergraduate degree in Political Science and Communication in 2019. I first found my passion for political and government communications and advocacy as a student at UConn. I took a semester-in-Washington to work for Congressman Joe Courtney (CT-2), and soon discovered that I was passionate about helping others through advocacy and communication. It is important to me that I can make a real, positive impact on others in the CTE community through my work, and I am bringing that philosophy to ACTE and our members.

Most recently, I served the residents of New York’s 18th Congressional District alongside the communications team in the office of Congressman Sean Patrick Maloney (D-NY). Additionally, I have had the pleasure of serving New Hampshire’s First Congressional District and Connecticut’s Second Congressional District in the offices of Congressmen Chris Pappas and Joe Courtney, respectively.

I have always been interested in the future of work, and I am learning more every day about how CTE students and educators are adapting to a changing career landscape. Now more than ever, in an unprecedented and challenging time, CTE stands ready to help build a strong, next-generation workforce. I am excited and ready to help ACTE and our members accomplish that goal – together.

Outside of my professional life, I enjoy cooking and trying new recipes, discovering new music, spoiling my pets, spending time at the beach, exploring new places and watching UConn Huskies sporting events.

I am looking forward to working with ACTE members to advance and support CTE through our media relations and advocacy efforts. If I can provide any assistance or serve as a resource to you, please do not hesitate to reach out! I can be reached via email at jhouck@acteonline.org.

Comments

[Jay Jackman]

Nice to meet you Jori ... welcome to ACTE!