My motivation

I’m motivated by helping others see how easy it is to make a positive impact on their community.  The small choices we make each day matter and have the potential to transform the world around us.

My latest accomplishments

Professionally, over the last two years, I’ve had the privilege of helping to expand our efforts across the region.  Local First has worked with businesses and community organizations in Grand Rapids – now we’re doing work along the Lakeshore from Grand Haven all the way down to Saugatuck.  Personally, last fall I finished my second half marathon!

Next big goal

Over these next couple of years, Local First will focus on helping locally-owned businesses understand how they can use the power of their business to transform the community.  Local First has partnered with BCorp and is the first in the nation to pilot a Quick Impact Assessment as a means to determine how much good a company does for their local economy, community, and environment.  The results of this assessment will be used to create educational programs that will help businesses move the needle toward community good.

Why is choosing your own path important?

I believe people excel when their interests and passions align with their work.  Everything is challenging sometimes, but if you’re doing something you believe in and love, you are that much more motivated to pull through.

Favorite place on campus