1. Where all have you lived in the world?

I’ve lived in or around Kansas City my whole life aside from San Jose, Costa Rica and Guadalajara, Mexico, where I studied Spanish two summers in college.
 

2. If you could pick one person in history to have lunch with, who would it be?

Edward Said and Friedrich Nietzsche

 
3. What have you done since your days in 20/20 Leadership?

On a fun note, since my time in 20/20 Leadership I’ve ran in two half marathons, discovered a love/hate relationship with Ashtanga Yoga, began studying Arabic and traveled to eleven countries.

I also attended William Jewell College in Liberty, MO, participating in track and chapel choir. I discovered American Humanics, which is a program to develop students to be leaders of nonprofit organizations. The program helped me discover my interests and passions. I switched from a nursing major and graduated with a B.S. in Business Admin with an emphasis in management/leadership and a B.A. in International Business and Spanish.

After graduating, I began working at People to People International where I have been for six years. I manage the student chapter program, with about 100 chapters worldwide made up of students who take action in their local community and promote peace through understanding. It’s been inspiring work! This month, I’ll graduate from KU with a Master’s degree in Global and International Studies. My research has been in peace and conflict in the Middle East, specifically the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict.

4. What is your favorite book?

Favorite? That’s too hard but I really like A Thousand Splendid Suns by Khaled Hosseini, which traces the lives of two strong Afghani women.

 
5. What has been your favorite travel experience?

Travelling throughout the Middle East last summer to Turkey, Jordan, Israel and the West Bank was absolutely incredible. I LOVED IT.

 
6. If you were an ice cream flavor, what would you be?

Cheesecake with strawberry topping. Yum!

 
7. Are there any words you live by? A favorite saying or quote? What is it?

“Live as if you were going to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever.” –Ghandi

 
8. If you could pick anywhere in the world to volunteer for a year, where would it be?

I would volunteer at Tomorrow’s Youth Organization in Nablus (Palestinian West Bank) in an instant. It’s an incredible organization!