What is your current position?
I am the communications and marketing manager for the All of Us Research Project for UW–Madison. The project is an NIH-funded initiative based in SMPH; our goal is to gather data from 1 million or more people living in the United States to accelerate research and improve health. It’s an ambitious research effort, and I’m excited to be a part of it.
When did you start working in SMPH? At UW?
I started in September 2021 at SMPH and UW–Madison, but I’m no stranger to the UW System. In the past, I worked as a speechwriter for former UW-Milwaukee Chancellor Nancy Zimpher, and I covered diversity issues and wrote alumni news for the University Relations’ department.
What does a typical day look like for you?
The good news is there’s no typical day. When it comes to communications for a nationwide research effort, some days I’m out in the community networking. Other days I’m glued to my desk discussing budgets, creating marketing materials, studying health trends, or writing articles.
What is your workplace superpower?
I channel my inner Winnie the Pooh and try to spread kindness. Kindness costs nothing, but it’s worth is immeasurable.
What is something personal you keep on your desk?
A picture of my niece. She’s the light of my life. I want to help pave the way for an even better life for her, the same way my parents and aunts did for me.
Where are you from originally?
I was born the oldest of four in Milwaukee. I’m the product of a Catholic-school education, from fourth grade on. I’m a proud Marquette University graduate — the Blue and Gold!
What is your favorite place to spend time in Madison? In the world?
I’m really a homebody and I don’t like going out drinking to have fun. But when I do head out, I love going to Café Coda off Willy Street to listen to jazz or salsa music.
As far as the world, I want to be anywhere where there’s a sunny beach during the day, and hip-moving music, under the stars at night.
What are you reading right now?
I just started A Year of Yes by Shonda Rhimes. Before that, I read Finding Me: A Memoir by Viola Davis, and Just As I Am by Cicely Tyson.
Share one fact about yourself that you co-workers might not be aware of.
I’m a huge Milwaukee Bucks fan. Fortunately, I met Giannis Antetokounmpo at a high school basketball game in Milwaukee a few years ago. One of his younger brothers, Alex, was a starter for Dominican High School. His mother was there, too. The NBA giant is extremely kind.
Anything else you would like to add?
The All of Us Research Program is extremely innovative and important initiative. I would encourage everyone to do research on the project and become ONE in a million!