Giving back and making an impact in my community is very important to me. I have volunteered through the Junior League of Cedar Rapids since 2009 and volunteered at area schools for 20 years. I also volunteer at local events to help out several area non-profit organizations.

 

THE ARC OF EAST CENTRAL IOWA
The Arc of East Central Iowa empowers individuals with disabilities and their families to engage in lifelong opportunities to live, learn, work, play, and advocate with full dignity and inclusion in their communities. I volunteer at their Annual Easter Egg Hunt, helping kids with disabilities complete crafts and activities.

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CEDAR RAPIDS PRIDE

CR Pride plans all Pride Day celebrations in Cedar Rapids, IA as well as fundraising events and partnering with local non-profits to support the local LGBTQ+ community. I volunteer on Pride Day to greet attendees, hand out swag, and celebrate the community.

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ESPECIALLY FOR YOU RACE AGAINST BREAST CANCER

The Especially For You Race Against Breast Cancer raises money for mammograms and other breast-care services to those in need in Cedar Rapids, IA. I volunteer at the annual Survivor Celebration and fundraising events for the race in October.

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FAMILIES HELPING FAMILIES OF IOWA
Families Helping Families of Iowa is a non-profit organization designed to support youth in out of home placements throughout the state of Iowa. I volunteer at their Annual Holiday Party for foster families, helping kids with crafts and activities.

 

GEMS OF HOPE
Gems of Hope provides cancer patients and their families support and resources to inspire hope, creating the outlook that hope is always present in a cancer diagnosis. I volunteer at the Annual Hope Blooms event to sell daffodils and raise money for cancer patients in treatment.

 

GIRLS ON THE RUN OF EASTERN IOWA
Girls on the Run has fun, evidence-based programs that inspire girls to build their confidence, kindness, and decision-making skills and instill valuable life skills including the important connection between physical and emotional health. I volunteer on the course for the annual 5k run at College Community Schools. Also, volunteered on the course for the 2015 Glow Run where a portion of the proceeds went to Girls on the Run.

 

LINN COUNTY SLEEPOUT FOR THE HOMELESS
Sleepout for the Homeless is a night away from the comforts of home to help homeless families in Linn County. I volunteer at the annual event, getting everybody registered and checked in and helping around the event where needed.

ONE IOWA

One Iowa is a catalyst for improving the lives of LGBTQ Iowans whose work is rooted in intersectional advocacy for LGBTQ Iowans. I volunteer at the annual One Iowa Gala to register attendees and assist with the silent auction to raise money for One Iowa advocacy and programming.

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PRAIRIE SCHOOLS PTO

Attended regular meetings to learn about upcoming events and programs. Volunteered to sell spirit wear. Provided meals for teachers during conferences. Volunteered at the annual sock hop dance and Hawk Walk fundraiser. Provided support in the school library two Friday afternoons a month.

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RAGBRAI HOUSING LEAD, CEDAR RAPIDS AREA CONVENTION & VISITORS BUREAU

In 2012, RAGBRAI (the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa) stopped in Cedar Rapids, bringing 8,500 riders into our community for one night. For three months, from April - June, I assisted the Cedar Rapids Area Convention & Visitors Bureau to provide housing to bike riders. We brainstormed ways to reach members of our community who would be willing to provide housing to riders and matched riders with available housing based on rider requirements and preferences.

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RONALD MCDONALD HOUSE OF EASTERN IOWA & WESTERN ILLINOIS
Ronald McDonald House provides comfort, care, & kindness to families when they travel for children's medical care at the University of Iowa. I decorate the house for the holidays and bake holiday cookies for the families living in the house.

 

YOUNG PARENTS NETWORK (YPN)
Young Parents Network was founded in 1985 by community leaders who recognized that there was a lack of support for young families in Cedar Rapids. Since that time YPN has taken on a leadership role in East Central Iowa as the provider of ongoing comprehensive year round programs that meet the most critical needs of thousands of families within our community. I volunteer at their Annual Family Fun event, interacting with kids, applying temporary tattoos, and helping out with crafts and activities. Also, provide supplies for young families in need.

 

JUNIOR LEAGUE OF CEDAR RAPIDS (JLCR)
JLCR is an organization of women committed to promoting voluntarism, developing the potential of women, and improving communities through effective action and leadership of trained volunteers. I have held several chair positions within JLCR that have helped develop my professional and leadership skills, including... 

 

Advisor, June 2017 – May 2019
Advise a team of eight members on the JLCR processes and procedures. Help members determine their goals and direction in League. Empower members to apply for leadership positions within League. Lead and execute monthly membership retention activities. Plan the holiday party, annual meeting, and other member gatherings.

 

Board of Directors, Vice President of Communications, June 2016 – May 2016
Lead the Communications Council to increase the JLCR brand. Develop the strategic plan for all communications activities. Guide and advise chairs on all marketing efforts from press releases, newsletters, social media, website, fundraiser marketing, and the end-of-the-year Report to the Community publication. Find additional marketing opportunities within the community. Negotiate media contracts for fundraiser sponsorship.

 

External Communications Chair, June 2015 – May 2016
Lead the external communications committee in all communications with the media, sponsors and donors, and the community to build brand awareness and promote JLCR's project and fundraising events. Ensured consistent branding with all marketing materials, implemented social media campaigns, and wrote press releases.

 

Nominating Committee, June 2013 – May 2015
Appointed Board members and slated other leadership positions for the next League year. Educated members on internal and external leadership roles and empowered potential leaders to apply for open positions. Developed interview techniques and questions and interviewed and selected members for leadership roles.

 

Report to the Community Chair, June 2012 – May 2013
Developed and distributed the annual publication which serves as a year-end review of the activities and finances of JLCR for sponsors, donors, and the community. Managed the report budget, gathered information and wrote report articles, determined the layout and artwork for the report, and created a promotional postcard to announce the latest publication.

 

Marketing and Public Relations Chair, June 2011 – May 2012
Coordinated and supervised the five-member Marketing & PR Committee in promoting JLCR fundraisers and projects. Maintained JLCR's professional relationship with local media outlets through consistent branding and communications. Worked with JLCR committees to ensure consistent messages internally and through external fundraising and project communications. Proofread fundraising and project marketing materials and wrote press releases.

 

Marketing & Media Chair for Ladies Titan Tire Challenge, June 2010 – June 2011
Led all marketing efforts and worked with local media for the 2011 Ladies Titan Tire Challenge LPGA Futures Tour event. Maintained the marketing budget while working with a local graphic designer on all marketing materials; newspaper and web ads, brochures, posters, and billboards. Partnered with local nonprofits and area events to promote this tournament. Worked with local media to hold a press conference, distribute press releases, and create a media plan for radio and television commercials. Took high-resolution photos at the event to use on social media sites during and after the event and for future marketing.

 

New Member Project Chair, October 2009 – April 2010
Led a eight-member team to raise enough money for a year’s worth of workbooks and worked with area businesses to provide over $300 in supplies and gift cards to KidsFirst, a local nonprofit that helps kids whose parents are going through a divorce. Coordinated volunteers for monthly workshops. Coached members to make asks to local companies for donations.