For as long as I can remember, I’ve been motivated by finding meaning in words, helping others tap into their potential, and making the world a better place. I’m fortunate to do work I love that allows me to combine all of these passions as I build the brands of mission-driven organizations and coach professionals at all levels seeking to grow as communicators. 

Currently, I am the Vice President of Global Communications and Marketing at Orbis, a nonprofit working to end avoidable blindness by training eye care professionals in areas with the greatest need. Previously, I led communications at What Works Cities, a Bloomberg Philanthropies initiative that helps local governments better serve their residents, was Features Writer for UNICEF, the United Nations Children’s Fund, and worked at UNICEF USA. I also completed a yearlong volunteer program with the National Organization for Women-New York City.

When I was a kid, you could find me reading or playing teacher to my stuffed animals, and as a teenager, you could find me writing (admittedly angsty) poetry in my journal for hours. As I grew older, I worked my way through college as a piano instructor, writing tutor, and teaching assistant in English literature courses. My students ranged from four-year-olds to octogenarians, but no matter their age, I lived for the moment when their eyes lit up from learning something new. I loved that moment so much that I nearly pursued a life as a college professor of literature, but something was missing: my desire to make the world better on a bigger scale.

So I embarked on a different path as a communications leader in the nonprofit sector. Along the way, I’ve gotten to build my love of teaching others into my work—from mentoring young professionals in UNICEF USA’s Global Citizenship Fellowship to helping hundreds of city staff and chief executives improve their communication skills at What Works Cities to offering media training to my current colleagues around the world. And of course, writing remains a part of nearly everything I do.

When I’m not working, you can usually find me with my nose in a book, Instagramming photos of my dog, or defending the Oxford comma. And occasionally, I still play a song or two on my piano.