My fascination with the connection between art and community was sparked when I was 15. My mother saw an article for a local theatre conservatory that offered scholarships to attend their after-school program. I always had an interest in acting but grew up in a family with little means of pursuing such a dream. With zero theatre experience, I took a leap of faith and applied for the scholarship. I was accepted, and spent seven blissful years developing my artistic skills and performing as a member of their company. I also worked as an assistant to the Artistic Director and, under her tutelage, developed a deep appreciation for the administrative side of the arts. 

Being accepted into that after-school program changed the trajectory of my life. In the theatre world, I found a sense of belonging, a career, a creative outlet, and an unshakeable belief in the power of the arts to cultivate personal well-being and build community. My life would not be the same without that conservatory providing access to the arts to an underprivileged kid like me. It has since been my personal mission to pay the kindness and support I received forward however I can.

A fierce passion for social justice has always fueled my artistic work. I have been privileged to tell stories that bring people together to think and feel more deeply, bringing artists and audiences closer to our humanity through shared imagination. I’m proud to work with companies like Plan-B Theatre, The Grand Theatre, and Salt Lake Acting Company, which are committed to providing opportunities to women, LGBTQIA+, and POC artists and tell stories that stimulate action outside the theater.

While studying for my master’s degree in Arts Administration, I discovered a talent for writing compelling and persuasive content. I have since been grateful to find a place in the arts and nonprofit administrative world as a grant writer. I have had the opportunity to write grants raising millions of dollars to support big-budget theatre productions, after-school music programs for disadvantaged children, and high-risk animal rescue programs. My proudest grant-writing achievement so far was being awarded a major grant to expand a program aiding people and pets escaping domestic violence. 

Last year, I committed to using my knowledge and skills to support people as they navigate unprecedented personal and systemic stresses exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. I developed a workshop, called “Uncover/Recover,” using arts-based embodiment practices to help workers reclaim their well-being while imagining new possibilities for themselves, their communities, and their organizations. Through collective healing and empowerment, I am hopeful this work can make a lasting positive impact on the wellbeing of people in the workforce.

When I’m not thinking about how to change the world through the arts and collective action, I like to unwind by walking along the Jordan River Parkway with my husband, Tyler, and two beloved rescue dogs, Suzi and Fiona. I consider myself a lifelong learner and enjoy curling up with a good book, exploring new hobbies, and experimenting with new and unusual gluten-free cuisines.