Why did you decide to work for the Catholic Community Foundation?
After prayerfully considering this job, I decided that not only was God calling me here but it was an opportunity to live closer with my family.
Tell us about your background and family?
I was raised on a ranch that has been in my family for generations in Philip SD. I am a mom to my dog Cheeto, have 4 older siblings, and am proud to say that I am an aunt to two nephews and one niece. After graduating high school in Philip I pursued (and loved) a degree in Communication with a specialization in Public Relations at the University of Mary, graduating in Spring of 2021 with a bachelor's degree.
How did your experience of studying at the University of Mary influence your decision to work for the Catholic Community Foundation?
The University of Mary taught me a lot about the Benedictine values, this is something that has become very important to me in my life. Having the opportunity to work for a Catholic organization that also shows these values through what they do seemed like the right thing to do. Throughout my month of being here so far I’ve learned that not only does the organization follow these values but so do the people working here.
What excites you most about your new responsibilities?
The most exciting part about my day is never knowing what is going to happen, I could go to work expecting to work on one project when suddenly I have to prioritize a different one, I am always kept on my toes. While this excites me, it also challenges me to constantly expect the unexpected.
Who is your favorite Saint and why?
My favorite saint is my confirmation saint, St. Afra, because through her life you can see that even though she came from a life of prostitution she learned, developed a love, and followed God faithfully until death once she was taught about Him. I know I am not perfect, nor will I ever be, so when I look at the story of St. Afra I see a radical change (from prostitution to becoming a martyr for God), this gives me hope to become the best version of myself that God intended me to be and hopefully accept me into His Kingdom so that one day I may be in heaven with all of the saints.
