Major: Psychology
Minors: Sociology, Social Work, Women’s Studies
Hometown: Harwich, MA (Cape Cod)
Groups and Clubs: Intersectional Feminist Collective
Salem State is known as the Commonwealth's Civic Engagement University. Why is that designation important to you?
Being the Commonwealth's Civic Engagement University is important to me because it reflects our campus’s dedication, passion, and commitment to creating positive social change. It tells prospective students and families that we pride ourselves on working toward a more just world, challenging societal norms, and prioritizing this identity. We are leaders, innovators, and champions of equity and equality in all facets of academia and life.
How has your experience with the Center for Civic Engagement / Berry Institute of Politics shaped your time at Salem State? What opportunities have been provided that you might not have had otherwise?
I owe all that I’ve become to the Center for Civic Engagement. As the senior program assistant for advocacy programming, I’ve grown as a campus leader and advocate for the issues I care about. I was named the Salem State Newman Civic Fellow for Campus Compact, attended the national conference, and received a $1,000 mini-grant for a change-making project. I’ve worked with local elected officials on issues like sexual assault on campuses, menstrual poverty, Indigenous rights, mental health, and campus hunger. I’ve planned major events like Advocacy Month and now serve as vice chair of the Salem Human Rights Coalition—opportunities I never imagined when I started.
What civic or social issues are you most passionate about? How has your time at Salem State helped you explore them?
I’m passionate about reproductive rights, racial justice, climate change, food insecurity, and period poverty. Salem State has let me explore these through interdisciplinary courses like The Philosophy of Sustainability, Introduction to Women and Gender Studies and Race and Ethnicity in Society. Even as a psychology major, I’ve experienced how civic engagement is embedded throughout our curriculum and co-curricular opportunities.
The Center for Civic Engagement and Berry Institute of Politics bring political leaders, activists, policymakers, and public officials to campus. How have these events influenced your academic or career interests?
These experiences have inspired me to pursue a career in civic engagement within higher education. I’ve built relationships with nonprofits like The Salem Pantry and Planned Parenthood, as well as local officials like Representative Manny Cruz and Senator Joan Lovely. I’ve learned that civic engagement is about creating reciprocal relationships between systems of power and the people they serve. That’s shaped how I want to lead and advocate in the future.
How have Salem State faculty, staff, or mentors supported your involvement in civic engagement and public service?
Across campus, faculty and staff are champions of high-impact learning. People like Tara Gallagher, Chris Candela, Elisa Castillo, Carlie Tartakovsky, and Jess Cook have helped support our students and work in countless ways. I didn’t expect to build such strong connections with faculty and staff when I started, but their support has been essential to my growth.
How has the Center for Civic Engagement / Berry Institute of Politics helped prepare you for your future — academically, professionally and personally?
The CCE and IOP have taught me to adapt, stay hopeful, and measure success by impact, not numbers. Whether five students attend an event or fifty, the goal is to create meaningful experiences. I’ve learned to stay grounded in the work, to burn brighter in the face of adversity, and to stay connected to my purpose.
How have you grown as a leader through your involvement in civic engagement at Salem State?
When I arrived, I was shy and unsure. Now, I confidently speak to large groups, plan programs, and lead compassionately. I’ve learned to embrace mistakes, think on my feet, and create welcoming environments. Leadership isn’t about being perfect—it’s about being approachable, authentic, and committed to collaboration.
What advice would you give to prospective students looking to get involved in civic engagement at Salem State?
Don’t discount your own lived experience. Your voice matters, even if you’re just starting out. Ask questions, take chances, and lead with curiosity. Instead of thinking what if it goes wrong, think what if it goes exactly the way I want.