Biography

My concept of community has been influenced since birth. My large (extended) family includes openly gay men, an aunt with Down Syndrome, and various minority ethnicities through marriage - a large loving support system that accepts everyone for who they are. I truly believe that people should be treated as humans above all else, regardless of social status or labels others may impose upon them. Whether driving, biking, or walking; everyone from the multi-million dollar stock owner to the worker barely making minimum-wage have something in common. We are all a part of the community that makes up our city of Seattle.

In college, I honed my personal and academic interest in societal development and interaction of the world around us by completing two Bachelor degrees from Virginia Tech: a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Policy & Planning and a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies. Outside of the classroom I was extremely involved in many student organizations including four years as a volunteer tour guide and a one year term as the Student Planning Association President. After graduation, I was a site development coordinator for the 2002 Winter Olympics Salt Lake Organizing Committee: responsible for the ski jump and bob sled run venues in Park City, Utah.

Currently I work toward developing transportation solutions in downtown Seattle for the Urban Mobility Group, a non-profit partnership of the Downtown Seattle Association, the City of Seattle and King County Metro. I have always maintained an interest in the complex urban fabric of our society and actively use my free time to pursue my passion. Some examples include:

• Participating in the Open Space 2100 Charette
• Attending numerous Urban Sustainability Forums
• Advancing my knowledge in the History of Urban Design by completing courses at the University of Washington.

In and around Seattle, I enjoy staying active by biking, kayaking, sailing, camping, surfing, skiing, snowboarding, sprinting to catch the bus and occasionally attempting to run around the block. I deeply value the diverse culture Seattle provides through music and the arts and the unique characteristics of each neighborhood. I regularly attend many of the cultural and social festivals and gatherings that are so prevalent in all of the Seattle neighborhoods - it's part of what makes Seattle where I want to live.