I moved from Oklahoma City, Oklahoma to Denver, Colorado when I was fourteen years old. I began my college career three years later at the Community College of Denver . During this time I volunteered with many organizations and worked as a community organizer with Colorado ACORN. After earning my Associates Degree in English Writing, I decided to change directions and pursue a degree in Political Science at the University of Colorado Denver (UCD).

My academic career included many extracurricular activities, including coordinating the Indigenous Support Network (a student group) and participating in the Chancellor's Scholars and Leaders program. These activities were essential in my education outside of the classroom, allowing me to put the skills I was learning about leadership and organizing into practice. I was also selected to participate in The Fund for American Studies Institute on Philanthropy and Voluntary Service at Georgetown University. During my Junior year, I had the honor of being selected as a National Finalist for the Truman Scholarship. I also received the Patricia Schroeder women's scholarship, the Martian Luther King scholarship for public service, and was named an Alumni Scholar.

During this time I became I also served on the board of the Colorado Anti-Violence Program , and volunteered as a mentor with the YESS Institute. I completed my B.A. in Political Science at in May of 2007 with the distinctions of being named Outstanding Undergraduate for my class.

After completing a year of service with AmeriCorps, I worked with homeless and transitioning youth as I prepared my applications for graduate school. I began as a student at Columbia University School of Social Work in the fall of 2008.

When I'm not busy changing the world, I can be found spending an afternoon reading at my favorite coffee shop, knitting and watching movies with a friend, or biking around New York City.