What is your proudest career moment?
I worked on 1.5 million dollar grant that was awarded by OJJDP to Pioneer Human Services and JJRA to run a pilot AJAC Manufacturing Academy project to reach 75 incarcerated students in 2014 and give them tools and job skills before they were released from prison. 51% of the students that completed or graduated the program went on to get entry level jobs in the industry.
What is your favorite part about working in the non-profit industry?
I am able to collaborate with passionate people in the industry. I enjoy working with all types of people and thrive on the diversity everybody brings to the table. I have a heart for helping people get to the next level with their career or journey in life. I believe everybody deserves a second chance. I am passionate about today’s youth and mentoring them in the directions that they are passionate about.
What do you like to do outside of work?
I love adventure of any kind, my biggest passion is kayaking and being on the water. In the summer, Ross Lake in the North Cascades is my favorite local destination. I was a kayak guide, naturalist, and fishing guide up in Southeast Alaska and enjoyed kayaking around humpback whales, seals, bears and glaciers with tourist during the summer.
If you could bring one musician back from the dead, who would it be and why?
Johnny Cash, because I have always wanted to see him live with June Carter. He was an innovator, even later in life he collaborated with many artist and made amazing music. I loved that he began performing concerts at prisons starting in the late 1950s. The Folsom State Prison Concert he performed, was a significant and historical performance that brought light on the prison population and was one of his best albums in my book.
If we came to your house for dinner, what would you prepare for us?
Poached Halibut with a spring herb sauce or Smoked Salmon glazed with a brown sugar and cracked pepper. Literally these are the only two things I know how to make. Other than that I am helpless in the kitchen.
Meet the rest of AJAC’s team here.